Pirates Grilli Returns, Will His Closer Job Return?

The Pittsburgh Pirates as expected have recalled Jason Grilli from his rehab assignment with the Altoona Curve.  Grilli will be active for tonight’s game in Milwaukee.

Clint Hurdle didn’t come out and say that Grilli would resume the job as Pirates closer.  The closer job has been Mark Melancon’s while Grilli has been on the DL.  Melancon has pitched well as the Bucs closer.

We don’t know if Grilli is going to get the job back, we actually wrote this morning that the job is Melancon’s.  No question.

Jason Grilli will be back in the Shark Tank

Who gets the last three outs hasn’t been a big problem for the Bucs this season.  The eighth inning job that Bryan Morris has done lately has been a problem.  So whatever the choice is that Hurdle makes, the Pirates aren’t likely to miss a beat.

Personally, we would like to see Melancon on the bump when the heart of the bad guys order is up.  If that’s the ninth great, if it’s the eighth, even better.

The Pirates have also recalled right hander, gulp, Jared Hughes and southpaw Jeff Locke.

The Bucs have made it evident that Locke will be going back into the rotation with this move.  A key decision heading down the stretch to be certain.

Andrew Lambo and Tony Sanchez have also been recalled.  All of the players will be active tonight in Milwaukee as the Bucs attempt to break the historic streak.