Melancon: 'Have To Believe It's Going To Get Better'
BOSTON (CBS) - Mark Melacon would probably like a mulligan for the start his Red Sox career.
He did break some Major League history in Tuesday's night 18-3 loss to the Texas Rangers, just not the kind of history he'll want to be remembered for.
Melancon faced six batters in the eighth inning Tuesday night without recording an out and giving up three home runs, something that had never been done before in MLB history. He also became the eighth pitcher in the last 90 years to allow three home runs without recording an out.
In all, Melancon gave up six runs off back-to-back homers from Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre, then a two-run blast from Nelson Cruz following a walk.
All of that translates to a 49.50 ERA after four appearances to start his Red Sox career. Melancon is 0-2 with a blown save, allowing 10 hits, 11 walks and five homers in just two innings.
"I have to believe it's going to get better," Melancon said after Tuesday's drubbing. "Mentally I feel good. Physically I feel good. It's close. I'll figure it out. I've only had four outings, but it's gotten out of hand pretty quickly."
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This is all very alarming for a player who was viewed as a possible replacement at closer when acquired from the Houston Astros for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland.
"He's very concerned. I'm very concerned, obviously," manager Bobby Valentine said of Melancon. "He's not getting the swings and misses. It seems like he's searching right now, and so are we."
Valentine even hinted at a stint in the minors for Melancon, who saved 20 games for the Astros last season.
"I don't know how to answer that," Melancon said when asked about the possibility of spending time in Pawtucket. "I'm going to continue to work hard no matter where I'm at. I feel like something's going to click. Mentally, I feel good, physically I feel good. It's close, so I'm going to keep working hard."
