Grilli struck out a pair and tossed a scoreless ninth inning Monday against the Marlins to secure his first save opportunity of the season. Following the surprising trade of Craig Kimbrel to San Diego on Sunday night, the Braves had an unexpected vacancy in the closer role. Jim Johnson tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in front of Grilli, and he's likely the next in line to finish out games for the Braves if Grilli scuffles in the near future. Grilli was sitting at 94-95 mph with his fastball during his outing Monday.

Grilli will serve as the Braves' closer to begin the season, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. This was widely expected after the club traded Craig Kimbrel to San Diego on Sunday, but manager Fredi Gonzalez confirmed Monday that Grilli will close with Jim Johnson serving in a setup role. As the next in line, Johnson will likely get some opportunities on days when Grilli is off.

The Braves traded Craig Kimbrel to the Padres on Sunday. The Braves haven't announced a new closer yet, but Grilli has the most closing experience remaining on the roster. Grilli struggled early last season, but he recovered nicely after getting dealt to the Angels. He'll be a bottom-tier closer on the Braves, but he's got the best chance on that team of getting the saves.

Grilli agreed to a two-year contract with the Braves on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports. An All-Star in 2013, Grilli battled an oblique injury en route to a 4.87 ERA and 1.62 ERA in 22 appearances with the Pirates to begin 2014, losing his job as closer in the process. He was able to recoup some value after being dealt to the Angels in late June (3.48 ERA, 1.15 WHIP), and will now head to Atlanta to compete with Jim Johnson, David Carpenter and Shae Simmons for the top right-handed setup role behind Craig Kimbrel.

Grilli allowed two runs on two hits in an inning of work Friday, resulting in his fourth loss of the season against the A's. Grilli relieved Hector Santiago in the sixth inning of a tie game Friday, and allowed a triple and a sacrifice fly to pick up his second loss of the season as a member of the Angels. Despite the rough outing, Grilli has performed well with his new squad, tallying a 2.78 earned-run average in 22.2 innings.

Grilli worked a clean inning with a strikeout to notch his 12th save of the season against the Red Sox on Thursday. Grilli tallied his first save as a member of the Halos Thursday, as an overworked Houston Street received a night off. The 37-year-old has been a solid reliever this season, having not allowed an earned run in his last nine appearances, but has little chance seeing save opportunities when Street is available.

Angels acquired RHP Jason Grilli in exchange for RHP Ernesto Frieri. It's a swap of struggling right-handed relievers who were recently demoted from their respective closer's roles. The change of scenery should be a welcomed change for each hurler, though they are each likely to begin in setup roles with their new ballclubs. Should Grilli pitch well in his first few outings, it's conceivable that he could work his way into the mix for save chances.

Jason Grilli has been removed from the Pirates' closer role. Manager Clint Hurdle indicated Thursday that Grilli might be on thin ice, and he's now officially decided to make a change. The 37-year-old has allowed five runs on eight hits and five walks over his last 6 2/3 innings of work, pushing his ERA up to 4.34. Mark Melancon will take over as the Pirates' primary closer, though Tony Watson could also receive the occasional save chance.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle indicated Thursday that Jason Grilli's status as the closer will be evaluated. Hurdle didn't say that Grilli was being removed from the role, but he didn't offer a strong defense either. The 37-year-old hasn't been nearly as dominant this season and has allowed five runs on eight hits (including two home runs) and five walks over 6 2/3 innings of work, so it might be time to give him a break, at least for a little while. Mark Melancon is worth stashing in most fantasy leagues.

Jason Grilli gave up a solo homer to Devin Mesoraco in the ninth inning Thursday to blow a save against the Reds. While it was his first blown save since way back on April 20, Grilli simply hasn't looked right this month. He has allowed five runs on eight hits (including two home runs) and five walks over 6 2/3 innings of work. Mark Melancon continues to pitch well and filled in admirably as the closer earlier this year, so Grilli could soon find himself on the hot seat in Pittsburgh.