CINCINNATI — The beleaguered Atlanta Braves bullpen received some good news prior to Monday’s series opener in Cincinnati when manager Fredi Gonzalez said closer Jason Grilli’s back spasms had improved.
“He came out today and played a little catch, did a little running around. I think it’s all good,” said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. “Again, when you’re dealing with the back stuff, you never know. You can make a bad move and it tightens up again.”
Gonzalez indicated that Grilli might be available to pitch on Monday night but instead used right-hander Jim Johnson in the ninth inning. Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his second save.
“I spoke with the trainers and Jason (prior to the game),” Gonzalez said. “It was my decision to give him one more day.”
Grilli says the spasms are an on-going, but infrequent occurrence.
“You know what he told me? He told me he’s a 38-year-old guy and sometimes (his back) gets cranky,” said Gonzalez. “I believe him. It can be stressful.”
Grilli is 9-for-10 in save situations this season. He’s allowed five earned runs and a homer in 10 innings, walked four and fanned 16.
Grilli’s return would be a welcome occurrence for the Braves bullpen, which suffered its second consecutive loss on Sunday and fell to 3-7 this season with a 4.88 ERA.
After posting a 2.92 ERA in their first 18 games, Braves relievers have recorded an 8.25 ERA in the previous 12 games entering Monday’s action.
Grilli hasn’t pitched since May 6 against Philadelphia. Gonzalez believes the spasms began on Friday night or Saturday morning.