Jason Grilli
Grilli with the Texas Rangers in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1976-11-11) November 11, 1976
Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 11, 2000, for the Florida Marlins
Last MLB appearance
October 1, 2017, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record34–47
Earned run average4.22
Strikeouts694
Saves79
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Jason Michael Grilli (born November 11, 1976) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers. Taken as the fourth overall selection of the 1997 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants, Grilli was one of the top starting pitcher prospects in all of Minor League Baseball, ranked 54th in 1998 and 44th in 1999. The Giants traded him to the Florida Marlins in 1999, for whom he debuted on May 11, 2000.

In 2011, Grilli's career took off as a relief pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates. That year, he carried a 2.48 earned run average (ERA) and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) rate in 32 innings pitched (IP), and further improved in 2012, when his strikeout rate climbed to 13.8. In 2013, Grilli made his first All-Star team and became Pittsburgh's closer at the age of 36. From 2011 to 2014, he compiled a 3.09 ERA with 11.9 K/9, 3.3 BB/9 and a 34.2 percent ground-ball rate in 195+1⁄3 IP.[1]

Amateur career

Although born in Michigan, Grilli moved to Central New York when his father, Steve, played for the Syracuse Chiefs beginning in 1978.[2] Following Grilli's high school career at Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York,[3] he was drafted in the 24th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees, but he chose not to sign. Instead, he opted to play college baseball at Seton Hall University, which he attended from 1995 to 1997.[4]

In his junior year, Grilli struck out 18 batters in a game to break Charles Nagy's Big East Conference record.[5] He pitched to a 6–4 win–loss record and a 4.65 earned run average (ERA) with 125 strikeouts in 81+1⁄3 innings pitched.[6] In 1995, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and returned to the league in 1996 to play for the Brewster Whitecaps.[7]

Professional career

The San Francisco Giants selected Grilli in the first round, fourth overall, of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft.[6]

Minor leagues

Grilli earned high reviews from scouts before the draft, who noted his good delivery, size and bloodlines. Milwaukee Brewers scout Russ Bove wrote that Grilli reminded him of Jim Palmer.[8] As a high draft pick, Grilli was immediately considered to be a top prospect. Baseball America ranked him as the No. 54 prospect in 1998 and the No. 44 prospect in 1999.[9]

Grilli began his professional career in 1998 with the Double-A Shreveport Captains of the Texas League and the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League. In 21 games for the Captains, Grilli went 7–10 with a 3.79 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 1231⁄3 innings pitched. With the Grizzlies Grilli went 2–3 with a 5.14 ERA in eight games, all starts.

Grilli was named a Texas League All-Star for the 1998 season.[10]

Florida Marlins

On July 25, 1999, the Giants traded Grilli and Nate Bump to the Florida Marlins to acquire Liván Hernández.[11]

Grilli made his major-league debut on May 11, 2000.

Grilli missed the entire 2002 minor-league season following Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow.[12] He returned in 2003, pitching most of the season with the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes.

Chicago White Sox

Grilli was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 2003 Rule 5 draft.[13] He had previously been heavily scouted as an amateur by White Sox scout Doug Laumann.[14] He spent 2004 in the White Sox organization after being selected. In January 2005, after the White Sox signed Tadahito Iguchi, Grilli was designated for assignment and eventually released.[15]

Detroit Tigers

In 2005, Grilli signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers. Tigers scouts and GM Dave Dombrowski were familiar with his abilities, having previously traded for him while running the Marlins in 1999. After helping the Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens to the International League Championship (he clinched the deciding game), Grilli joined the parent club for a brief late-season audition.

Grilli pitched for Team Italy in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He also had a good spring training and earned a spot in the Tigers bullpen as a long reliever, leading to his first extended stint in the majors. During the 2006 season, Grilli went 2–3 with a 4.21 ERA. He helped the Tigers to the 2006 World Series where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 2007, Grilli posted career highs in almost every category, including games (57), innings (792⁄3), strikeouts (62), wins (5), and holds (11). However, Grilli heard boos at Comerica Park during the season, mostly due to his home ERA of 7.96. He was much more effective away from home, posting a 1.91 ERA in road games. Tigers manager Jim Leyland defended Grilli: "I like Grilli because he's got a resilient arm. ... There's a lot to be said for that."[16][17]

It was during his time with the Tigers that Grilli decided to abandon his big-breaking curveball in favor of a slider. The move coincided with a transition from starting games in the minor leagues to relief pitching in the major leagues. Tigers teammate Jeremy Bonderman, known for throwing a very effective slider,[18] helped Grilli tweak his grip and delivery. "I knew I could throw a slider because it's just a minor adjustment on how you release the ball", Grilli said."[19]

Colorado Rockies

Grilli during his tenure with the Colorado Rockies in 2008.

On April 30, 2008, Grilli was traded to the Colorado Rockies for minor-league relief pitcher Zachary Simons. This move was made to clear a roster spot for incoming reliever Francisco Cruceta.[20]

In January 2009, Grilli announced that he would again pitch for Team Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.[21]

On June 5, 2009, Grilli was designated for assignment by the Rockies.[22]

Texas Rangers

On June 9, 2009, Grilli was acquired by the Texas Rangers for cash considerations.[23] In October 2009, Grilli was granted free agency.

Cleveland Indians

On December 2, 2009, Grilli signed a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians with an invitation to spring training.[24] Grilli suffered a severe knee injury in spring training while running sprints and would later undergo surgery for a torn quadriceps muscle.[25] The injury and rehabilitation caused him to miss the entire 2010 season.[26] Grilli filed for free agency on November 6, 2010.

Philadelphia Phillies

On January 30, 2011, Grilli signed a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.[27] He pitched for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, posting a 1.93 ERA in 321⁄3 innings, before being released on July 20.[28]

Pittsburgh Pirates

Grilli with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Grilli signed a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 21, 2011,[29] and spent the rest of the season on the Pirates major-league roster. The signing reunited Grilli with Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, who had been Grilli's manager with the Rockies several years earlier.[30]

Grilli played in 64 games for the Pirates in the 2012 season, recording a 1–6 record and 2.91 ERA. His 32 holds were second-best in the National League, and his 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings was the fourth-best among NL relievers with 40 or more innings pitched. Grilli's fastball averaged 93.6 mph that season, his top velocity since 2007.[31][32]

On December 12, 2012, the Pirates announced that they had re-signed Grilli to a two-year contract, the first multi-year deal of his career. Several sportswriters noted that Grilli turned down more lucrative offers from other teams to remain with the Pirates.[33] Just two weeks later, the Pirates made a major trade by sending incumbent closer Joel Hanrahan along with infielder Brock Holt to the Boston Red Sox for infielder Iván DeJesús Jr., relief pitcher Mark Melancon, relief pitcher Stolmy Pimentel and outfielder Jerry Sands. The move opened up the Pirates closer role for the upcoming season, with Grilli as the presumed favorite.

Grilli again pitched for Team Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.[34]

Grilli opened the 2013 season as the Pirates closer. Before 2013, he had accumulated five career saves spanning 10 seasons. After the end of April in the 2013 season, Grilli was named the Delivery Man of the Month. He finished April 2013 with 12 game appearances, a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves in 10 save opportunities through 11 innings of work. Grilli became just the second Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher to save 10 games in the month of April since Mike Williams in 2002. Jason Grilli tied Jim Johnson of the Baltimore Orioles, Sergio Romo of the San Francisco Giants and Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees for the most saves in the MLB that month.[35] Grilli again was named the Delivery Man of the Month for May 2013.[36]

Grilli with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Grilli was named to the 2013 National League All-Star team, and pitched the ninth inning of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game. After giving up a leadoff triple to Prince Fielder, he retired the next three batters for a scoreless inning.[37] On July 22, Grilli became the first Pirate since 1992 to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated; in that night's game, he injured his forearm and was placed on the 15-day DL, another victim of the magazine's cover jinx.[38] His replacement at the closer position was Mark Melancon. Grilli was activated from the DL on September 3, resuming his role as closer. He helped the Pirates to the 2013 playoffs, the team's first postseason appearance since 1992. Grilli pitched a scoreless ninth inning in the Pirates win over the Cincinnati Reds in the 2013 National League Wild Card Game. He appeared in three games in the Pirates series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 National League Division Series. Grilli has not had a run charged against him in nine career playoff appearances spanning 61⁄3 innings.[39] In his 54 appearances in 2013, Grilli went 0–2 with a 2.70 ERA going 33 for 35 in save opportunities, striking out 74 in 50 innings.

In 2014, Grilli struggled with effectiveness and an oblique muscle injury.[40] He lost the closer role to Melancon.[41]

Los Angeles Angels

On June 27, 2014, Grilli was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for relief pitcher Ernesto Frieri.[42][43] Grilli's performance improved following the trade.[44]

Atlanta Braves

On December 23, 2014, Grilli signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.[45][46] Grilli's original intended role was to serve as Craig Kimbrel's setup man in the eighth inning of games.[47] However, when Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres on the day before opening day of the 2015 season, April 5, Grilli had to assume the closer's role.[48] He had done well, earning 24 saves for the Braves during the first half of the season.[49] On July 11, in a game against the Colorado Rockies, Grilli was covering first base on a ground ball when he tripped and ruptured his left Achilles, causing him to miss the rest of the season.[50]

Toronto Blue Jays

On May 31, 2016, the Braves traded Grilli to the Toronto Blue Jays for Sean Ratcliffe.[51] Grilli earned his first save as a Blue Jay on June 12, closing out a 10–9 win over the Baltimore Orioles.[52] On July 2, he recorded his first win as a Blue Jay in a 9–6 victory over the Cleveland Indians.[53] In 42 regular season innings with the Blue Jays, Grilli posted a 6–4 record, 3.64 ERA, and 58 strikeouts. He made five appearances in the postseason, and allowed one hit in 32⁄3 total innings.[54] On November 5, 2016, the Blue Jays picked up Grilli's $3 million option for the 2017 season.[55] In a June 3, 2017 game against the New York Yankees, Grilli gave up four home runs in a single inning of relief, becoming the first Blue Jays reliever to do so.[56] On June 27, Grilli was designated for assignment.[57]

Return to Texas

On July 2, 2017, Grilli was traded to the Texas Rangers for minor league outfielder Eduard Pinto.[58]

Personal life

Grilli's nickname is Grilled Cheese.[59] He is the son of former major-league pitcher Steve Grilli,[60] who pitched for parts of four seasons in the late 1970s, including three with the Detroit Tigers. Jason was born in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak after his father's second season with the Tigers. His father is also known for being the losing pitcher for the Rochester Red Wings in the longest professional baseball game on June 23, 1981. Jason wore number 49 during his time with the Tigers in honor of his father, and the two spoke after every game in which Jason appeared.[61]

Grilli and his wife, Danielle Hurt, had their first child in February 2008. Although the Pittsburgh Pirates traded him on June 27, 2014, Grilli and his wife decided to continue living in Pittsburgh all year round. In December that year, they purchased a home for $1.6 million in the suburb of Pine Township.[62] Nearly one year after the trade, Grilli made his first appearance back at PNC Park, as a member of the Atlanta Braves. There he revealed to the Pittsburgh media his intention to continue residing in Pittsburgh.[63]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Adams, Steve (December 23, 2014). "Braves to sign Jason Grilli". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  2. ↑ Hyber, Josh (October 9, 2013). "Baldwinsville Buc: Baldwinsville native Grilli helps guide Pirates into playoffs, paves way for future Central New York baseball success - The Daily Orange - The Independent Student Newspaper of Syracuse, New York". dailyorange.com. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Jason Grilli's recent signing with the Atlanta Braves has given his father, Steve, a reason to smile (video)". December 30, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  4. ↑ POPPER, STEVE. "Baseball: Jason Grilli, 36, is unlikeliest of All-Stars". Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Phillies Sign Grilli to Minor League Contract". MILB.com. February 1, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Beitiks, Edvins (June 3, 1997). "Giants draft Seton pitcher". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Report – Diamond Mines". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  9. ↑ "BaseballAmerica.com: Stats: Jason Grilli". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Jason Grilli Baseball Statistics [1995–2016]". Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Marlins Send Ex-hero Hernandez To Giants". Chicago Tribune. July 25, 1999. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Pirates closer Jason Grilli overcomes injuries to dominate at 36". May 12, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  13. ↑ "White Sox take four in Rule 5". December 15, 2003. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Report – Diamond Mines". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  15. ↑ "White Sox designate pitcher Jason Grilli for assignment". January 28, 2005. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  16. ↑ Morosi, Jon Paul (February 29, 2008). "Tigers Jason Grilli always ready to pitch in; Leyland likes his resilient arm". Detroit Free Press. Accessed April 30, 2008.
  17. ↑ "Fans want to see Grilli put out fires; Reliever says numbers don't always tell story". Grand Rapids Press. March 15, 2008. p. D6. Accessed April 30, 2008.
  18. ↑ "Tigers' Bonderman says his changeup will be a viable weapon this season". Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  19. ↑ Brink, Bill (May 18, 2012). "Pirates notebook: Slider led to Grilli's big break – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Tigers trade Jason Grilli to Colorado". Detroit Free Press. April 30, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
  21. ↑ Thomas Harding (January 14, 2009). "Grilli proud to represent Italy at Classic". MLB.com. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Right-handed Pitcher Jason Grilli Designated for Assignment; Outfielder Matt Murton Optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs". MLB.com. June 5, 2009. Archived from the original on July 25, 2014. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Rockies trade RHP Jason Grilli to Texas". June 9, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  24. ↑ Jason Beck (December 2, 2009). "Indians to give Grilli a Minors deal". MLB.com. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Jordan Brown will have knee surgery; Jason Grilli facing quadriceps surgery for Cleveland Indians". March 6, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Jordan Brown, Jason Grilli suffer knee injuries during practice: Cleveland Indians Insider". Cleveland Plain Dealer. March 6, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  27. ↑ Zolecki, Todd. "Grilli, Phillies work out Minor League contract". MLB.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  28. ↑ Biertempfel, Rob. "Pirates close to picking up reliever Grilli". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  29. ↑ Brink, Bill (July 21, 2011). "Pirates sign free agent pitcher Jason Grilli". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Jason Grilli, Clint Hurdle reward each other's trust in Pittsburgh for Pirates". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  31. ↑ "Jason Grill". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  32. ↑ "MLB Player Pitching Stats – As Reliever – 2012". ESPN. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Danny Knobler on Twitter". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Pirates sign free agent RHP Jason Grilli". MLB.com. December 12, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  35. ↑ "Jason Grilli of the Pittsburgh Pirates named the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month for April". MLB.com. May 3, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Jason Grilli of the Pittsburgh Pirates named the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month for May". MLB.com. June 4, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Jason Grilli gets moment in spotlight during Fox broadcast of MLB All-Star Game". The Post-Standard. Syracuse.com. July 16, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  38. ↑ "ABC Sports News". ABC News. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  39. ↑ "Jason Grilli Postseason Pitching Gamelogs - Baseball-Reference.com". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Pirates will evaluate closer situation, could replace Jason Grilli".
  41. ↑ "Pirates, Angels exchange Jason Grilli, Ernesto Frieri in trade".
  42. ↑ Snyder, Matt (June 27, 2014). "Pirates, Angels exchange Jason Grilli, Ernesto Frieri in trade". CBS Sports. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  43. ↑ "Angels acquire Grilli in trade with Pirates". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 27, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  44. ↑ "Source: Braves sign reliever Jason Grilli". December 23, 2014.
  45. ↑ Bowman, Mark (December 23, 2014). "Braves reach agreement with veteran reliever Grilli". MLB.com. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  46. ↑ "Braves, reliever Jason Grilli agree". ESPN.com. December 23, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  47. ↑ O'Brien, David (December 23, 2014). "Braves sign former Pirates closer Grilli". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  48. ↑ O'Brien, David (April 6, 2015). "Updated: Braves make big trade on eve of opener". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on May 19, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  49. ↑ Bowman, Mark (May 31, 2016). "Braves trade Grilli to Blue Jays for Minor Leaguer". MLB.com. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  50. ↑ ESPN (July 11, 2015). "Braves closer Jason Grilli ruptures left Achilles, done for season". Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  51. ↑ Chisholm, Gregor (May 31, 2016). "Blue Jays acquire reliever Grilli from Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  52. ↑ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (June 12, 2016). "Blue Jays' Grilli eases Osuna's workload with closer cameo". Sportsnet. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  53. ↑ "Blue Jays bats break out to end Indians' 14-game winning streak". Sportsnet. Associated Press. July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Jason Grilli Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Blue Jays pick up Jason Grilli's $3M option for 2017". Sportsnet. November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  56. ↑ "Yankees hit 4 homers in 8th, Montgomery beats Blue Jays 7-0". ESPN. Associated Press. June 4, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  57. ↑ "Blue Jays' Jason Grilli designated for assignment". Sportsnet. June 27, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  58. ↑ Sullivan, T. R. (July 2, 2017). "Rangers acquire Grilli from Blue Jays". MLB.com. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  59. ↑ "Blue Jays' Jason Grilli manages to turn sandwich into a force for good". Sportsnet. April 12, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  60. ↑ "Steve Grilli Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  61. ↑ "Grilli following in his father's footsteps". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  62. ↑ Land Records
  63. ↑ "Former Pirates pitcher Grilli will make his home in Pittsburgh". Retrieved May 31, 2016.
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