Mark Melancon Traded To Washington Nationals
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Washington Nationals have acquired Mark Melancon, a three-time All-Star and one of the best closers in the game, in a trade, according to a press release sent to KDKA.
The news came Saturday afternoon, one day after rumors began swirling around the All-Star.
Left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero and minor league left-handed pitcher Taylor Hearn are headed to Pittsburgh as part of the deal.
Melancon currently has a 1.51 ERA and has converted 30 of 33 save opportunities on the year. When trade rumors were first reported, it was said the trade of Melancon would be viewed by many fans as a waving of the white flag.
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25-year-old Rivero went 0-3 with one save, a 4.53 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 47 relief appearances this season with the Nationals. 21-year-old Hearn has gone a combined 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 10 games this season.