WASHINGTON -- The mood in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse after Monday night's game felt too gloomy for a 6-5 win over the Washington Nationals.
That's likely because Pittsburgh closer Jason Grilli, the National League's saves leader, exited in the ninth inning with what Clint Hurdle called "right forearm discomfort." The Pirates manager said further evaluations are needed before he can update his All-Star closer's status.
When asked what the team will do if Grilli is out for a while, Hurdle said "What if he's not? Our roster is going to be fine."
Grilli had been having a rare rocky ninth inning, giving up two hits including a two-run homer, before he exited. Catcher Russell Martin, who said an extended absence for Grilli would be a "definite blow," added he didn't see any sign of an injury before Grilli grimaced on the last pitch he threw. Vin Mazzaro came in to finish the game and record the save once Grilli left.
"You just hope for the best," said Pirates starter Charlie Morton. "It's never good to see someone hurt, let alone your All-Star closer."
Grilli is having by far the best season of his career with 30 saves and a 0.864 WHIP. A torn quadriceps muscle in spring training in 2010 almost ended the now-36-year-old's career.
Another one of the Pirates' five All-Stars, Andrew McCutchen, said that all he could do was pray everything is OK after watching Grilli walk off the mound Monday.
"That's the hard part of things that can happen, but again, we'll see how he feels tomorrow," Hurdle said.
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