What It Means:

Working his way back from an Achilles injury, Grilli will throw a simulated game on Friday. The veteran reliever is aiming to be ready for Opening Day and also to serve as the Braves' closer, although the Braves could stick with Arodys Vizcaino in the ninth inning.

Grilli posted a 3.11 xFIP and 24 saves in 33 2/3 innings last season before blowing out his Achilles. He was averaging well over a strikeout per inning, and his strikeout percentage of 32.1 was 14th among relievers with at least 30 innings pitched. In 2016, we project him to post a 29.6 strikeout percentage and 3.14 ERA.