According to Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal, Washington struck a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon, acquiring three-time All-Star closer Mark Melancon. In return, Pittsburgh will receive major-league left-hander Felipe Rivero, according to Rosenthal. Jon Heyman of Fan Rag adds that left-handed pitching prospect Taylor Hearn will also be included.
The addition of Melancon is a big acquisition for Washington after they missed out on prime deadline target Aroldis Chapman. With incumbent closer Jonathan Papelbon struggling, it’s clear they wanted a more dependable arm in the ninth inning, and that’s how they view Melancon.
With that in mind, this is obviously a demotion for Papelbon, whom they acquired at this time last season to serve as their hopeful long-term closer. That hasn’t worked out, but the good news is Papelbon seems content to take a step back.
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Melancon will close for the Nationals. Papelbon has been told, was understanding, according to someone familiar with the situation.
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At least they won’t have to worry about a clubhouse blow up. Beyond that, perhaps this is the motivation Papelbon needed to get turned around. Either way, the Nationals bullpen is a lot better than it was coming into Saturday, which was a goal they needed to accomplish.
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