Waiver Wire Pick Up: RP Jason Grilli
By Bill Pivetz
Apr 6, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jason Grilli (39) reacts after defeating the Miami Marlins 2-1at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
What a crazy Opening Day, huh? Besides the games, the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves pulled off a blockbuster trade Sunday afternoon. The Braves sent Melvin Upton Jr. and Craig Kimbrel to the Padres for Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, two prospects and a draft pick. As a result, relief pitcher Jason Grilli is the biggest winner of the trade. As the new Braves closer, he is the hottest waiver wire pickup right now.
Grilli has been around since 2000, but didn’t get his break as a closer until 2013 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He recorded 33 saves with a 2.70 ERA. The following year, he recorded 12 saves (11 with the Pirates and one with the Los Angeles Angels) with a 4.00 ERA. He lost the Pirates closer job to Mark Melancon and was far away from getting the job in Los Angeles.
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He then signed a two-year contract with the Braves in December. Similar to Los Angeles, he was behind two reputable closers, Kimbrel and Jim Johnson. That was until Sunday. The Braves then named Grilli as the team’s closer and he did not disappoint.
In his first opportunity, he struck out two in a scoreless ninth on his way to his first save of the season. On the other side, Kimbrel did not see any action for San Diego.
Between Sunday and now, Grilli has been added in 34.3 percent. He is owned in still only 34.6 percent of leagues.
Grilli should remain as the Braves closer until his ERA ridiculously inflates or gets injured. Until then, he should be a serviceable No. 2 closer for most owners. So if you are in a deep league or just in need of a closer, grab Grilli off the waiver wire before it’s too late.