Grilli (Achilles) gave up a two-run homer to the Astros' Danny Worth in his spring debut Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Working the fourth inning in relief of Williams Perez, Grilli walked Luis Valbuena on four pitches to start the outing, and Worth made him pay two batters later. Grilli retired A.J. Reed and Eury Perez to end the frame, and what's most important here is that he escaped without any kind of setback with the Achilles. Manager Fredi Gonzalez recently suggested he may mix and match in the later innings with Grilli, Arodys Vizcaino, and Jim Johnson, rather than open the year with a set closer.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez suggested Tuesday that he could use Grilli (Achilles) in a combination of closers with Jim Johnson and Arodys Vizcaino, at least initially, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "It will be probably the same situation (as last year)," Gonzalez said. "I can use all three. Mix-and-match. Absolutely."

EDGE Analysis

First things first, Grilli will need to prove his healthy, starting with his first Grapefruit League appearance Thursday, and avoid any setbacks in order to be ready on Opening Day. The skipper never turned to Grilli to pitch in three consecutive games last year, and Gonzalez seems open to having less defined roles at the back end this year. "I feel that way now," Gonzalez said, "that if the matchup comes up, say in the seventh inning there's two or three guys the scouting reports say can't hit high velocity, maybe we run Vizcaino against those guys. That might be the biggest inning."

Grilli (Achilles) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien reports.

EDGE Analysis

Grilli has been throwing bullpen session for at least a month, and he made it through a simulated game Monday without incident. He should still have time to challenge Arodys Vizcaino for the closer's role.

Grilli (Achilles) could make his Grapefruit League debut as early as Monday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has faced hitters in batting practice, and will throw a simulated game for the first time Friday. Assuming Grilli is able to get into game action early next week, he should have enough time to establish himself as a legitimate challenger to Arodys Vizcaino for the closer duties to start the season. While Vizcaino was dominant in that role at the end of last season, the Braves may be tempted to try to showcase Grilli in that role and then trade him this summer.

Grilli (Achilles) has thrown four bullpen sessions since his surgery and is confident he'll be ready when the season begins, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even if Grilli is fully healthy come Opening Day, it is unlikely he starts as the closer, given possible worries that he won't be up to speed and Arodys Vizcaino's excellent run as his replacement. Grilli should still be part of the Braves' late inning relief corps, but his progress through spring training will have to be monitored to make sure he's up for it.

Grilli (Achilles) is on track to be ready for spring training, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was excelling in the closer role for Atlanta before a ruptured left Achilles' tendon ended his season in July. Apparently, the 39-year-old is on track in his recovery and should be afforded a normal spring, but Arodys Vizcaino put his stamp on the job after Grilli went down and currently projects to open 2016 as the Braves' endgamer.

Grilli suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon Saturday and is out for the season, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports. This is devastating news for Grilli, who had been enjoying a strong first season as a member of the Braves with 24 saves in the first half of the season. Grilli suffered the injury going to cover first base on a grounder and collapsed to the ground. He could not put any weight on his left leg and needed to be carted off the field. The Braves have yet to announce Grilli's replacement as the closer, but Jim Johnson could be a candidate given his past experience as a closer.

Grilli suffered a lower left leg injury Saturday and had to be carted off the field, MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports. Grilli went down trying to cover first base on a Drew Stubbs and could not put any weight on the leg. The injury was severe enough that he needed to be carted off the field. An update on Grilli's status should be made available later Saturday.

Grilli struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning against the Brewers on Tuesday to earn his 24th save of the season. Tuesday marked the second time Grilli has struck out the side in his last three appearances, bringing his strikeout total to 45 in 33.2 innings this season. He has pitched each of the last three days, though, so don't be surprised if manager Fredi Gonzalez turns elsewhere if a save situation arises Wednesday.

Grilli had two strikeouts in a perfect ninth for his 22nd save Wednesday against the Nationals. Grilli had given up a run in each of his past two outings, but he was perfect Wednesday. The Braves closer is now 22-for-24 in save opportunities this season, and he'll continue to close games for Atlanta.