Jason Grilli worked a scoreless ninth inning for his 31st save of the season, and first since July 21, against the Reds on Saturday.

Grilli was moved back into the role after Mark Melancon fell on hard times recently and, just like riding a bike, he made the transition back to closing seamlessly. Grilli gave up a leadoff single to Ryan Ludwick but got Jay Bruce to ground into a double play and got Zack Cozart to ground out to end it. Unless he struggles, the right-hander will likely continue to get the team's save opportunities over the final week of the season, so snatch him up in any leagues where he might have been cast off during his middle relief days.

Jason Grilli will serve as the Pirates' closer Saturday.

Mark Melancon blew his second straight save opportunity on Friday night against the Reds, so the Pirates are opening the competition. Grilli is a nice grab for standard fantasy-leaguers seeking some last-minute saves.

With the score tied at 2-2 in the eighth inning on Sunday, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle turned to Kyle Farnsworth instead of Jason Grilli to keep his team in the ballgame.

Rather than clearly defining the roles in his bullpen, Hurdle asked the media earlier in the week to watch the games to understand how his pitchers would be use. If Sunday is any indication, Kyle Farnsworth may have assumed the role as primary setup man in front of closer Mark Melancon. Until Grilli straightens himself out, he holds no fantasy value whatsoever.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle indicated Saturday that he would still like Jason Grilli to regain the closer's role at the end of his bullpen.

Unfortunately, Grilli is quickly running out of time to make that come to fruition. With Mark Melancon pitching well and Grilli posting a 12.00 ERA and 2.67 WHIP over three innings since returning, it's unlikely that the Pirates make a switch any time soon.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Thursday that Jason Grilli will now be used in the seventh and eighth innings.

Grilli has allowed two runs on four hits and a walk in 2 1/3 innings over three appearances since returning from the disabled list. Hurdle wants him back in the closer role soon, but Mark Melancon will continue to handle the gig in the short-term.

Pirates activated RHP Jason Grill from the 15-day disabled list.

Grilli will return to the Pirates' bullpen on Tuesday night after sitting out for the past six weeks with a strained right forearm. He should reclaim the ninth-inning job in Pittsburgh eventually, but it might not be an out-of-the-gate type of thing. Mark Melancon owners should hold tight for the time being.

Jason Grilli (forearm) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Saturday with Double-A Altoona.

Grilli will pitch one inning in Double-A on Saturday and Monday before making another one-inning appearance on Wednesday with Triple-A Indianapolis. Barring any setbacks, he could be ready to join the Pirates' bullpen after that. The 36-year-old has been sidelined since late July with a strained right forearm.

Jason Grilli (forearm) threw a successful 25-pitch simulated game on Wednesday afternoon.

If he wakes up feeling fine on Thursday, the right-hander will be cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday with Double-A Altoona. Barring setbacks, Grilli is about 10 days from rejoining the Bucs. The veteran closer has been out since late July.

Jason Grilli (forearm) will throw another bullpen session on Sunday, and if all goes well he'll progress to a 25-pitch simulated game on Wednesday.

Grilli continues to make tangible strides towards returning to the Pirates' bullpen. While Mark Melancon has done a nice job in the interim basis, Grilli will return to the closer's role once he's activated from the DL in early September.

Jason Grilli (forearm) threw a bullpen session Thursday.

It's the first time he's thrown off a mound since landing on the DL with a strained right flexor tendon. There's no word on what the next step is for the closer, but Grilli will likely need a few more mound sessions before going out on a short rehab assignment. Barring a setback, he'll be activated in early September.

Jason Grilli (forearm) was scheduled to throw off the slope of the mound Tuesday.

It came after a few successful sessions of catch. "[Grilli] is doing really well. Moving forward at a very good fashion," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. It's possible the closer could throw a bullpen session by the end of the week. The Pirates are hoping to get Grilli back early next month.

Jason Grilli (forearm) could be cleared for a bullpen session next week.

Grilli has already resumed a throwing program and continues to make quality progress in his recovery from a strained right forearm. He remains on track to be activated from the disabled list in early September.

Jason Grilli (forearm) is scheduled to begin a throwing program this weekend.

There's some belief that Grilli will be ready to return to the Pirates' bullpen by the end of August, but an early-September activation date seems much more likely. Mark Melancon will continue to fill in at closer for the Pirates, who currently boast the best record in MLB.

Doctors determined after examining Jason Grilli (forearm) Sunday that the reliever is "making quality progress."

Grilli remains shut down from throwing, as he's still receiving treatment for the strained flexor muscle in his right forearm. The closer won't rejoin the Pirates' bullpen until late August, at the earliest.

Jason Grilli (forearm) has vowed to return this season.

Grilli is expected to miss 4-8 weeks after he strained the flexor muscle in his right forearm last week. The good news is that the injury is muscular in nature and not related to a tendon. As of now, he is not a candidate for surgery. "I'm going to be ready before the season is out," said Grilli. "You can mark my word on that." Grilli is expected to rest for nine to 12 days before being re-evaluated. Mark Melancon will continue to handle the closer role in the interim.

Jason Grilli has been diagnosed with a strained right flexor tendon.

The diagnosis came from Dr. James Andrews. Grilli does not need surgery and this time, but he's looking at an extended period of rest, as most need 4-8 weeks to recover from such an injury. He'll be re-evaluated in 10-14 days. It's obviously a big blow for the Pirates, who have the second-best winning percentage in baseball behind the Cardinals. It could have been worse, though. Mark Melancon will continue to close while Grilli is on the shelf.

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Jason Grilli didn't hear a pop before being forced to leave Monday's game with a forearm injury.

Grilli felt general soreness in his forearm that peaked when he threw his final pitch of the night. It's probably a good sign, though more won't be known about Grilli's status until he's examined further. He's already been placed on the disabled list.

Pirates placed RHP Jason Grilli on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain.

Grilli was forced to exit Monday's game after he hurt his forearm on a pitch. He's reportedly headed back to Pittsburgh for tests, but it certainly had the look of a serious injury. Mark Melancon should fill the closer role for now and makes for a must-own in mixed fantasy leagues.

Jason Grilli left Monday's save appearance with a sore right forearm.

Jason Grilli left Monday's save appearance against the Nationals with an apparent right arm injury.

It didn't look good, as Grilli threw a pitch and immediately began walking off the field. The National League's save leader yielded a walk, a home run and a double before leaving. If you're in a league where Mark Melancon is available, scoop him up now.