Mark Melancon Logs 12th Save
Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts to pick up his 12th save of the season Thursday against the Phillies. Called on to protect a one-run lead, Melancon struck out Jose Pirela and Cesar Hernandez before getting J.T. Realmuto to ground out to end the game. Melancon has been rock-solid lately logging 11 saves since August 13 with 17 strikeouts in his last 13 innings. He's the go-to closer in Atlanta and should be owned in all leagues where saves are a category.
Source: MLB.com
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Source: MLB.com
Mark Melancon Begins Throwing Bullpen Sessions
Mark Melancon (shoulder) is beginning to throw bullpen sessions to help build up his arm strength. The 38-year-old started his throwing program back in late-May. However, he recently was cleared to begin doing bullpen sessions. The veteran reliever has been out all season due to a lingering shoulder issue. At this point, it's uncertain if Melancon will be able to get ready in time to help the D-Backs this season. Possibly, the D-Backs decide to keep Melancon around for the 2024 campaign.
Source: Alex Weiner
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Source: Alex Weiner
Mark Melancon Will Open Season On Injured List
Mark Melancon (shoulder) has a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder and will open the 2023 regular season on the injured list, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Melancon is getting a platelet-rich plasma injection. The injury will keep the 37-year-old veteran reliever out for the first couple months of the season, so fantasy managers should be avoiding him in upcoming drafts. He opened last year as Arizona's primary closer and finished with 18 saves, but he pitched poorly for most of the year and lost the job by August. The D-backs will likely role with a committee approach to save situations, with Kevin Ginkel and Andrew Chafin the best bets for those speculating on saves in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Mark Melancon Likely To Miss Start Of Season
Mark Melancon (shoulder) is dealing with a shoulder injury and appears likely to miss the start of the 2023 regular season. The extent of Melancon's injury is unclear, according to general manager Mike Hazen. Although we don't know exactly what is wrong with the 37-year-old pitcher, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be part of Arizona's closer committee right away. Instead, names like Kevin Ginkel, Andrew Chafin, Miguel Castro and Scott McGough will battle for save opportunities in a bullpen that fantasy managers should probably try to avoid at all costs. The 37-year-old Melancon opened last year as Arizona's closer but eventually lost the job due to poor performance. Leave him to the waiver wire to begin the season.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Mark Melancon Picks Up 18th Save Wednesday
Mark Melancon picked up his 18th save of the season on Wednesday in the 5-2 win over the Houston Astros. In his inning of work, Melancon didn't allow a hit or a run while walking none and striking out none. Melancon has a 4.67 ERA (4.04 FIP) and a 1.54 WHIP on the year, but he's been better in the season's final month, posting a 2.70 ERA (5.82 FIP) with a save and four strikeouts in 10 innings pitched. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect another save before the end of the regular season, though, as the 37-year-old's previous save before Wednesday night came all the way back on Aug. 17.
Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Source: MLB.com
Read More News