Jason Grilli: On Schedule to Return by Spring Training 2016

Jason Grilli injured his Achilles on July 11th against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field while running to cover first base on a routine groundball.

In what was essentially the end of the Atlanta Braves season, the effect that Jason Grilli’s injury has had on the Atlanta Braves and their bullpen cannot be understated. Since Grilli was injured, the Atlanta Braves have plummeted in the standing, owning the worst record in the baseball after being .500 through early July. According to the AJC’s Mark Bradley, if the Braves lose 100 games this season, they will become the first team in MLB history to be .500 so late in a season to lose that many.

Before his injury, Jason Grilli was on track-for an All-Star selection for the National League, with a 2.94 ERA and 24 saves as the Braves closer following the trade of Craig Kimbrel to the San Diego Padres. In a year where the Atlanta Braves bullpen has floundered, even before his injury, the bullpen unraveled even further following the rupture to his Achilles.

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Jim Johnson, Grilli’s setup man, became the closer after Jason Grilli’s season came to end. A couple of weeks later, John Hart was at it again, trading Johnson along with another trusted reliever in Luis Avilan to the Los Dodgers. Arodys Vizcaino has subsequently become the Braves’ closer.

The Atlanta Braves’ bullpen has been even more of a disaster since Jason Grilli was lost for the season; but there is hope. Grilli spoke with Jenn Hildreth of Fox Sports South on Wednesday, and stated that his recovery is on schedule, and that he will be ready to report to Braves’ Spring Training in Kissimmee, Florida.

After a tumultuous year for the Atlanta Braves, Grilli’s return should bolster the bullpen and significantly improve it in 2016 — if he is able to fully recover and regain his dominance from 2015. One of the keys to the Braves being successful next season will be the efficacy of the bullpen, and Grilli’s experience and leadership will be vital in the continued development of players like Arodys Vizcaino and other young relievers.

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Another great aspect of Jason Grilli’s return in 2016 will be the return of his personality to the clubhouse. He brought levity and an impassioned attitude to the Braves — something that has been lacking during the second half of this season. Jason Grilli is the Atlanta Braves 2015 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes a player for excellence in serving their community. Whether on the field or in the clubhouse, Jason Grilli being a part of the Braves once again will provide a significant boost to the organization.

Next: Tyrell Jenkins: Part of Braves Rotation in 2016?

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