At this time five months ago, Jason Grilli was spending his time wondering where he would be for the upcoming season. Were the Pirates interested in him becoming their next closer? Or would he be testing the market for a team that would.
As we all know, the Pirates would indeed sign him and they aren’t regretting the decision as Grilli has been dominant while leading his fellow bullpen mates, also known as the “Shark Tank”, to a very solid start to this season. “I’m not putting more weight on one role than another. I’m so honored to take this role on the club”
Grilli leads the majors in saves with 26 in 27 tries while posting a 1.07 ERA (4 ER allowed) in 33 2/3 innings while striking out 56. Those 56 strikeouts are already approaching his season totals in five of six seasons in which he pitched in more than 50 games. His 15.00 K/9 ranks second among relievers behind Aroldis Chapman (15.80 K/9). He also ranks second in that category over his last two seasons (again, behind Chapman) with a 14.23 K/9 (146 K over 92 1/3 IN).
Not only is he a role player on the field, but he also plays a separate role in the clubhouse. He is one of the leaders on the team and he sometimes does it in a lighter fashion. Grilli is a big Star Wars fan, so his locker currently holds a full Chewbacca costume that he was able to get via Russell Martin. Another addition Grilli and co. has added to the Clubhouse is an actual shark tank that currently holds a few small sharks (miniature sharks, not the large, 5-foot long version). He says these things help morale in the clubhouse, “The more distractions, the better, but in a good way. It’s all in fun and I just can’t believe everyone has taken in to it.”
It seems as if these “distractions” are helping. The Pirates pitching staff currently holds the best team ERA in the majors at 3.19. They also lead the league in shutouts with 12, which is three more than any other team in the majors. The team aspect sometimes gets overlooked during a game when the focus comes down to the closer getting the job done in a close contest (Pirates have a 27 – 15 record in games decided by 2 runs or less), but Grilli knows it’s not just him out there to decide a game, “Our bullpen and pitching staff has done great this season. It’s like I’m the running back getting the limelight, but I can’t do it without the offensive line.”
If the “offensive line” can keep holding it up for Grilli, he may be racking up a ton of yards.
For more Pirates news and in-game updates, follow Travis on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA and @OVathletics.
(Photo Credit: Peter Diana / Post Gazette)
