Fri 6/20/14 2:01 PM

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.