Texas Rangers acquire reliever Jason Grilli from the Blue Jays
By Keaton Moore
Seeing the good that a change of scenery did their former reliever Sam Dyson, the Texas Rangers acquired Jason Grilli hoping for similar results.
In return for minor league outfielder Eduard Pinto, the Texas Rangers received Jason Grilli from the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, July 2.
Needless to say, the Rangers are in dyer need of strengthening their bullpen. This season, the Rangers lead the majors with 16 blown saves and their 4.67 bullpen ERA is good for the fourth worst in the American League.
Although his numbers are not what they used to be, Grilli is coming off a 3.64 ERA in 46 appearances for the Blue Jays last season. His best came in 2013, where Grilli he recorded 33 saves with a 2.70 ERA as a Pittsburgh Pirate.
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Yet, the Blue Jays designated Grilli for assignment on Tuesday after he started the season 204 with a disastrous 6.97 ERA.
The Rangers hope Grilli can revert back to the pitcher he was in 2013, much like how Sam Dyson is improving since being traded to the San Francisco Giants. After starting the season 1-6 with a 10.80 ERA, the Rangers traded Dyson to the Giants in early June.
Since then, he recorded his first save of the season and owns a 4.32 ERA in San Francisco, bringing his ERA on the year to 8.64.
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The Rangers are planning to make room for Grilli on their 25-man roster by Monday. He replaced Preston Claiborne, who was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, on the 40-man roster, but their future moves are yet to be determined.