Jason Grilli (oblique) is expected to be activated from the disabled list if a simulated game on Wednesday goes well.

Grilli already threw a sim game Tuesday with no issues, but the Pirates want to make sure he's OK to throw on back-to-back days. It appears he will not need a rehab assignment. "I'm fulfilling their requirements, and I'm passing with flying colors," Grilli said. "We as players know when we're ready, and in our minds we're always ready. We're the horses. They're the jockeys, and we just try to communicate. And seeing is believing, too. But it all feels good, and that's the big thing."

Jason Grilli (oblique) will throw on back-to-back days sometime during the Pirates' six-game homestand that begins on Tuesday.

It could be the last step before he's activated, so a return by the end of the week seems possible. It's not clear whether the appearances will come in more simulated games or if Grilli will go out on a short rehab assignment. He threw a simulated game Saturday with no issues. "Followed the glove very well," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I thought the breaking ball shaped up better than last time out, sharper. Threw some changeups. I thought it was a very good step forward for him."

Jason Grilli (oblique) threw a successful simulated game on Saturday in New York without any issues.

No word yet, but the next step for Grilli could be to begin a minor league rehab assignment. He will only need a couple of outings before he's able to return to the Pirates bullpen, a return which could happen by the end of next week if he continues to progress.

Jason Grilli (oblique) threw a 24-pitch simulated game on Wednesday.

Grilli threw two 12-pitch "innings" and reported no ill effects. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, pitching coach Ray Searage and general manager Neal Huntington will discuss Grilli's next step. A rehab assignment may be in his near future.

Jason Grilli (oblique) will throw a simulated game on Wednesday.

If it goes well, he could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. It's not clear whether Grilli will immediately return to the closer role once activated, but he should rejoin the Pirates' bullpen before the end of the month.

Jason Grilli (oblique) threw 25 pitches in a successful bullpen session on Sunday.

Grilli acknowledged that everything went well with the outing. His next step will be throwing a simulated game while the team is in Milwaukee. If all goes well, he could then be cleared for a minor league rehab assignment.

Jason Grilli (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Sunday.

It will be the first time he's thrown off a mound since he landed on the DL three weeks ago. Grilli figures to need an additional 'pen session or two before he's cleared to face hitters. It's not clear whether he'll go out on a rehab assignment. Mark Melancon is continuing to fill in as the Pirates' closer.

Jason Grilli (oblique) has yet to throw off a mound.

Grilli landed on the disabled list two weeks ago due to a left oblique strain, but he hasn't advanced past playing catch. At this rate, a return before mid-May could be a stretch. Mark Melancon will continue to serve as the fill-in closer for now.

Pirates placed RHP Jason Grilli on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 21, with a left oblique strain.

The veteran right-hander hasn't appeared in a game since the weekend where he suffered blown saves in back-to-back appearances against the Brewers. Mark Melancon will take over the Pirates closing duties on an interim basis.

Jason Grilli suffered his third blown save against the Brewers, allowing a solo home run in the ninth inning Sunday.

Called on to protect a one-run lead, Grilli recorded a quick out before Ryan Braun deposited a pitch into the left field bleachers. It was Grilli's third blown save in eight appearances this season after blowing just two opportunities all of last year. The job as the Pirates' stopper likely still belongs to Grilli, but it can't be too safe given his early failures.

Jason Grilli blew his second save of the season Saturday as the Pirates fell to the Brewers.

Grilli entered the game to protect a one-run lead and struck out Carlos Gomez to lead off the top of the ninth inning. But Jean Segura singled and then Ryan Braun slugged a two-run homer that put the Brewers ahead for good. Grill is just 4-for-6 in save opportunities this season, though his job seems pretty safe for now.

Jason Grilli struck out a pair in a scoreless inning to convert his fourth save of the season Tuesday as the Pirates finished off the Reds 8-7 in the completion of Monday's suspended game.

The two sides combined for 14 runs Monday before play was suspended, but a Russell Martin RBI single in the seventh inning was the lone run after played picked back up. Grilli got Roger Bernadina swinging to start off the ninth and got Billy Hamilton swinging to end it sandwiched around a Chris Heisey pop-up. He holds a 1.50 ERA and has nailed down four of five save chances to open the season.

Jason Grilli earned his second save in as many chances Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth to close out a win over the Cubs.

Grilli suffered a blown save against the Cubs on April 2, but he's since thrown two scoreless innings in notching his first two saves of the season. On Tuesday, Grilli fanned one while not allowing a baserunner. His early hiccup seems to have been just that.

Jason Grilli collected his first save of 2014 in the Pirates' win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Grilli issued a leadoff walk to Jon Jay but then induced a doubleplay groundball from Matt Holliday and a game-ending grounder from Matt Adams. Grilli blew a save opportunity in his previous outing, so it was good to see him get back on track in this one. He should be a valuable fantasy closer all season.

Jason Grilli gave up a run on three hits to take a blown save in the ninth against the Cubs on Wednesday.

Mark Melancon also gave up a run in the eighth, so this one was a team effort. Even if Melancon proves better than Grilli this season, the Pirates won't be motivated to make a switch unless they have to.

Jason Grilli (elbow) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday against the Blue Jays.

The 37-year-old hurler has blossomed into one of the game's finest late-inning relievers in the past three seasons in Pittsburgh, compiling a 2.74 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 201/50 K/BB ratio over 141 1/3 innings. As long as he's healthy, he should be able to post similar numbers in 2014, but those calling his name on draft day would be wise to handcuff him with Mark Melancon to protect against injury.

Jason Grilli (elbow) is scheduled to throw a two-inning simulated game on Sunday.

After dealing with elbow injuries late in the 2013 season, the Pirates closer is being brought along cautiously this spring. He isn't far behind the rest of the hurlers in camp though and could see actual game action in the coming week.

Jason Grilli slammed the door on the Cardinals in Game 3 of the NLDS on Sunday, protecting a two-run advantage and giving the Pirates a 2-1 series lead.

The 36-year-old right-hander made it interesting by allowing a leadoff single to Matt Adams, but retired Jon Jay, Pete Kozma and Daniel Descalso in order afterwards to end the ballgame. The Pirates will now have an opportunity to close out the series at home on Monday.

Aided by an outfield assist, Jason Grilli got the final two outs Monday against the Cubs for his 32nd save.

Manager Clint Hurdle said he was going back to the old way of doing things, but he had Tony Watson in there to retire Anthony Rizzo to begin the ninth. Grilli then came in to walk Dioner Navarro, retire the next batter on a fielder's choice and give up a shot to right-center that led to Nate Schierholtz being thrown out at home, ending the game. It doesn't really inspire much confidence in Grilli, but the job is probably his for good.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle confirmed Monday that Jason Grilli will continue to serve as closer.

"We're going back to way was for three and a half months, before Jason got hurt," said Hurdle. This means that Tony Watson will primarily pitch in the eighth inning while Mark Melancon will return to his set-up role.