Jason Grilli (oblique) is expected to return Saturday. Grilli threw a successful 20-pitch simulated inning on Wednesday and deemed himself ready for major league action. He has been out since April 21 due to a left oblique strain, with Mark Melancon filling in at closer. Grilli could be eased back into ninth-inning duties, so Melancon is still worth carrying in fantasy leagues.

Jason Grilli (oblique) is expected to be activated from the disabled list if a simulated game on Wednesday goes well. Grilli already threw a sim game Tuesday with no issues, but the Pirates want to make sure he's OK to throw on back-to-back days. It appears he will not need a rehab assignment. "I'm fulfilling their requirements, and I'm passing with flying colors," Grilli said. "We as players know when we're ready, and in our minds we're always ready. We're the horses. They're the jockeys, and we just try to communicate. And seeing is believing, too. But it all feels good, and that's the big thing."

Jason Grilli (oblique) will throw on back-to-back days sometime during the Pirates' six-game homestand that begins on Tuesday. It could be the last step before he's activated, so a return by the end of the week seems possible. It's not clear whether the appearances will come in more simulated games or if Grilli will go out on a short rehab assignment. He threw a simulated game Saturday with no issues. "Followed the glove very well," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I thought the breaking ball shaped up better than last time out, sharper. Threw some changeups. I thought it was a very good step forward for him."

Jason Grilli (oblique) threw a successful simulated game on Saturday in New York without any issues. No word yet, but the next step for Grilli could be to begin a minor league rehab assignment. He will only need a couple of outings before he's able to return to the Pirates bullpen, a return which could happen by the end of next week if he continues to progress.

Jason Grilli (oblique) threw a 24-pitch simulated game on Wednesday. Grilli threw two 12-pitch "innings" and reported no ill effects. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, pitching coach Ray Searage and general manager Neal Huntington will discuss Grilli's next step. A rehab assignment may be in his near future.

Jason Grilli (oblique) will throw a simulated game on Wednesday. If it goes well, he could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. It's not clear whether Grilli will immediately return to the closer role once activated, but he should rejoin the Pirates' bullpen before the end of the month.

Jason Grilli (oblique) threw 25 pitches in a successful bullpen session on Sunday. Grilli acknowledged that everything went well with the outing. His next step will be throwing a simulated game while the team is in Milwaukee. If all goes well, he could then be cleared for a minor league rehab assignment.

Jason Grilli (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Sunday. It will be the first time he's thrown off a mound since he landed on the DL three weeks ago. Grilli figures to need an additional 'pen session or two before he's cleared to face hitters. It's not clear whether he'll go out on a rehab assignment. Mark Melancon is continuing to fill in as the Pirates' closer.

Jason Grilli (oblique) has yet to throw off a mound. Grilli landed on the disabled list two weeks ago due to a left oblique strain, but he hasn't advanced past playing catch. At this rate, a return before mid-May could be a stretch. Mark Melancon will continue to serve as the fill-in closer for now.

Pirates placed RHP Jason Grilli on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 21, with a left oblique strain. The veteran right-hander hasn't appeared in a game since the weekend where he suffered blown saves in back-to-back appearances against the Brewers. Mark Melancon will take over the Pirates closing duties on an interim basis.