Jason Grilli confident he'll be ready for Braves spring training after Achilles injury

Only a couple days away from the All-Star break, Atlanta Braves closer Jason Grilli suffered an injury that will prevent him from playing for the remainder of the season, but he vows he'll be back in time for spring training for the 2016 season, ready as ever to take the mound.

Sprinting to cover first base in a game on Saturday, Grilli tore his Achilles tendon, an injury that usually requires nine months of rehab following surgery.

While that timetable would slate the 38-year-old closer for a return in April at the earliest, he's confident he'll return before then and participate in the Braves spring training in March.

"Absolutely," Grilli said, when asked if he would be ready for spring training. "Mark my words. Write it down in ink. That will be happening. I'll be on Field 5 [at spring training] yelling, covering first base a million times."

In 14 seasons, Grilli has made 482 appearances, including 16 starts early in his career, during which he has compiled a 4.09 ERA with 565 strikeouts in 585 2/3 innings.

His relief duties intensified in 2012, when he served as the set-up man for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The following season he became a full-time closer for the first time in his career.

Grilli has had his share of injuries over his career, including a 2010 knee injury that was believed to be career-ending at the time it happened.

Now facing another career-threatening injury, he's determined to take the field for his 15th season in the majors.

"Unfortunately, or fortunately, I've been through it before," Grilli said. "I just can't wait to get through the surgery so I can do my part. That's the part I can control. Like you said, I've got a good supporting cast with my personal trainer and my family, especially. We'll get through it."

(h/t Albany Herald)