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Bucs seek consistency from bridge to Melancon
- Updated: May 24, 2016
PITTSBURGH — The Pirates jumped out to a 6-0 lead against the Rockies on Monday afternoon. It wasn’t an insurmountable margin, but one most would describe as comfortable.
Yet at the end of the game, manager Clint Hurdle had to call on closer Mark Melancon for the final two outs. It was Melancon’s fifth save of the season (out of 15 total) in which he recorded one or two outs and the fifth in which he’s been asked to bail out another reliever in the ninth inning.
On Monday, reliever Jared Hughes began the ninth with a four-run lead. He retired Nolan Arenado for the first out then gave up consecutive singles, putting the potential tying run on deck — and making it an official save situation.
Hurdle has made it clear he will call on Melancon in any save situation, and Melancon has maintained that he’s ready for anything. Still, the Pirates would prefer to see their bullpen give Melancon the occasional day off.
On April 6, Melancon cleaned up the ninth for Cory Luebke. …
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