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Melancon in ‘ironic’ spot in return to Pittsburgh
- Updated: September 24, 2016
PITTSBURGH — Mark Melancon admitted it was a little strange to be sitting in the visitors’ dugout at PNC Park, wearing his red Nationals hoodie, for the first time since he was traded from the Pirates in July.
The closer caught up with a few of his old teammates, who met him outside of the Nats’ clubhouse. But perhaps the strangest part of it all was that Melancon returns here with the Nationals on the verge of clinching the National League East. Entering Friday’s game, Washington’s magic number was two, making it likely Melancon and Co. would clinch a playoff spot during this three-game series.
“That is kind of ironic,” Melancon said. “I don’t even know. I’m a National now, so it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to it. Just ironic, I guess.”
Melancon was a core member of the Pirates teams that helped revive this baseball city. In 3 1/2 seasons in Pittsburgh, he emerged as one of baseball’s premier relievers while leading the Bucs to the postseason in three consecutive seasons.
“I …
