Execution, not new role, behind Watson’s woes

PITTSBURGH — Left-hander Tony Watson has struggled since taking over for Mark Melancon as the Pirates’ closer, but manager Clint Hurdle believes Watson’s issues are rooted in his execution, not his role.

One of the game’s steadiest setup men from 2013 to 2015, Watson entered Wednesday with a 4.91 ERA, 10 saves and three blown saves since Melancon was traded on July 30. Watson’s most concerning meltdown came in the ninth inning on Tuesday night, when he served up three homers to the Cardinals within nine pitches.

But Pittsburgh still believes Watson is closer material, even if the results haven’t matched the mind-set to this point.

“He’s getting the wrong results. I don’t see an accelerated heart rate,” Hurdle said. “It’s not like since he started closing he’s firing off pitches quicker. At the end of the day, from my vantage point, I think it’s about execution more than anything else.”

Watson has given up nine homers this season, three times as many as he allowed a year ago. Over the previous three seasons, he put together a 1.97 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 222 …

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