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Nats stand pat during busy Deadline day
- Updated: August 2, 2016
PHOENIX — The Nationals acquired the new closer they desired this past weekend, so even as a flurry of moves were made across the Majors in the hours leading up to Monday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline — including a few by the National League East-rival Mets — they did not make any more deals.
Washington accomplished its top priority Saturday afternoon when it improved its bullpen by trading with the Pirates for right-hander Mark Melancon.
Melancon has been one of the top closers in baseball during the past few seasons and will slot into the ninth inning. His numbers this season are impressive; he has allowed seven earned runs in 41 2/3 innings (1.51 ERA) with a 0.96 WHIP adn a 4.22 strikeout-to-walk ratio to go along with 30 saves.
The trade worked for Washington for a few reasons.
Finding a closer had become a pressing need as a result of the recent struggles from Jonathan Papelbon. In his last three appearances, Papelbon allowed 12 of the 15 batters he faced to reach base and eight runs (seven earned) to score. Melancon also came at a price the Nationals were willing to pay. They did not have to surrender any of …
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