Reliever Grilli calls joining Blue Jays ‘surreal’

TORONTO — The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind for new Blue Jays reliever Jason Grilli, but the veteran right-hander expressed excitement about his new club prior to Toronto’s series finale against the Yankees on Wednesday.

Grilli was acquired on Tuesday from the Braves along with cash considerations for prospect Sean Ratcliffe, and he is relishing the opportunity to be a part of a team with postseason aspirations. Grilli’s father, Steve, played parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues and got into a game as a member of the Blue Jays during Jason’s childhood.

“I’m very excited,” Grilli said. “To be on a contending team and a team that I grew up watching and idolizing as a kid, it’s surreal. This blue feels good on.”

Returning from a torn left Achilles injury which ended his season last July, Grilli has struggled to start the season, compiling a 1-2 record and a 5.29 ERA. Grilli’s recent performance has been much better, however, as the 39-year-old has limited the opposition to a hit over his past five outings while striking out eight. Grilli, who pitched to a 2.94 ERA and racked up 24 saves for the Braves last season, believes his last few outings are more indicative of the results he’ll bring to Toronto.

“I’m not even a year out of surgery yet,” Grilli said. “I don’t want to say it’s an alibi or an excuse, but it’s a reason. I don’t think a lot of …

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