Melancon most low-key closer in the game
CINCINNATI — Mark Melancon has 45 saves since last year’s All-Star break, more than any other reliever in the major leagues.
That the Pittsburgh Pirates’ closer has that many saves would likely come as a surprise to many baseball fans around the country.
It does to Milwaukee Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez, who has 367 saves in his 14-year career.
“Really?” Rodriguez said Monday during All-Star Game media day.
Melancon might be the most low-key closer in the game. He doesn’t have a grand entrance theme played over the PNC Park sound system when he trots in from the bullpen or any elaborate rituals when he locks down a save.
“He just gets people out,” Pirates left-handed reliever Tony Watson said.
Melancon has been getting hitters out as frequently as just about any reliever in the major leagues this season.
He leads the National League with 29 saves in 30 opportunities and has a sparking 1.47 ERA and .210 opponents’ batting average. Since his lone blown save April 21 against the Chicago Cubs, Melancon has converted 27 consecutive chances.
“You watch him pitch and he just makes it look so easy, that’s the impressive part about him,” Rodriguez said. “He doesn’t throw real hard, he doesn’t do anything flashy. He just gets people out. It’s like 1-2-3 and the game is over and you really don’t know what happened.
“Nobody ever talks about him, but he’s one of the best relief pitchers in baseball. He is a very underrated closer. More people should know about him.”
Melancon’s profile is starting to rise. He is at his second All-Star Game in three years and National League hitters say his cut fastball is a devastating pitch.
“It just disappears,” Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said.
Melancon has been outstanding through his three years with the Pirates since being acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a trade on Dec. 26, 2012. He has a 1.61 ERA in 188 games with 144 hits allowed, 27 walks and 172 strikeouts.
Melancon is one of four Pirates on the National League team for Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park, along with right-handed starters A.J. Burnett and Gerrit Cole and center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
“My consistency is what I am most proud of,” Melancon said. “I put in a lot of hard work to make sure I’m the best shape possible, both physical and mentally, for every game.
“There is a certain amount of responsibility that comes with pitching in the late innings. Your teammates have busted their butts to get a lead or still be in the ballgame and you want to make sure you are as consistent as possible so they don’t have worry about you letting them down.”