The Pirates now have closer Jason Grilli back in the fold. (USATSI)
The Pirates now have closer Jason Grilli back in the fold. (USATSI)

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The Pirates on Friday activated closer Jason Grilli from the 15-day disabled list. Grilli had been sidelined since April 20 because of a strained oblique. To make room for Grilli on the active roster, the Pirates have optioned catcher Tony Sanchez back to Triple-A. 

This season, Grilli, age 37, has pitched to a 4.50 ERA after eight appearances. Last season, he made the All-Star team, logged a 2.70 ERA and 5.69 K/BB ratio and converted 33 of 35 save opportunities. He's in the final season of a two-year, $6.75-million contract with Pittsburgh.