Texas Rangers Acquire Jason Grilli From Blue Jays

The Rangers lead the league in blown saves with 16 already this season. In an attempt to solidify the bullpen Texas has made a trade for veteran righty reliever Jason Grilli.

On June 27, the Blue Jays designated 40-year-old Jason Grilli for assignment. The Texas Rangers have now acquired the 15-year veteran from Toronto. This season Grilli is 2-4 with a 6.97 ERA in 26 games.

According to T.R. Sullivan, Grilli is expected to join the Rangers in Arlington on Monday. In exchange for Grilli and cash considerations the Rangers are sending minor league outfielder Eduardo Pinto to the Jays.

Relief pitcher Tanner Scheppers will be sent to Triple-A to make room on the 25-man roster. The 30-year-old didn’t have a long stint with Texas this season. Scheppers made just five appearances, and allowed three earned runs, but threw four scoreless outings.

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The decision was to either send down Ernesto Frieri or Scheppers. The determining factor was that Scheppers has minor league options and Frieri does not. The Rangers could potentially lose Frieri by sending him to the minors.

This will be Grilli’s second time joining the Rangers organization. He pitched with the team in 2009, but didn’t have great results. He pitched in 30 games, posting a 4.78 ERA and walked 14 batters in 26.1 innings of work.

It is likely that Grilli will join the Rangers bullpen by committee and have a shot at grabbing the closer role in Arlington. Grilli has just one save this season, but has 79 career saves. He hasn’t put together great results this season, but neither has most of the Rangers bullpen.

Next: Will the Rangers Trade Cole Hamels?

It’s an interesting move and really no risk for the Rangers. They can always release Grilli or trade him later this month if he increases this value.