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Mark Melancon

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Mark Melancon
Melancon with the San Francisco Giants in 2019
Pitcher
Born: (1985-03-28) March 28, 1985 (age 39)
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 26, 2009, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
October 2, 2022, for the Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB statistics
Win–loss record37–40
Earned run average2.94
Strikeouts643
Saves262
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
World Baseball Classic
Gold medal – first place 2017 Los Angeles Team

Mark David Melancon (/məˈlænsən/ mə-LAN-sən;[1] born March 28, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Melancon was drafted by the New York Yankees in the ninth round of the 2006 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2009. He led the National League in saves in 2015, and won the Trevor Hoffman Award that year. Melancon was an MLB All-Star in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2021.

Early years

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Melancon was born in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and attended Golden High School, where he lettered all four years in baseball, basketball and three times in football. He was also named to several All-State teams in these three sports and helped win a Baseball State Championship in 2003. He was also a member of the National Honor Society.[2]

Melancon was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 30th round of the 2003 MLB draft.[3] He declined the offer so that he could attend the University of Arizona.[4]

College career

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As a member of the Arizona Wildcats baseball team, Melancon appeared in 29 games (a single-season freshman record) and played in 5 post-season games. He pitched in 10 games for the United States national baseball team that summer.[2] In his sophomore year he worked as a closing pitcher, achieving 11 saves (a single-season record) in 34 appearances. He played a shortened season in 2006 due to a strained elbow ligament, and had a college career total of 18 saves.[2]

Professional career

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Draft and minor leagues

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The New York Yankees selected Melancon in the ninth round of the 2006 MLB draft.[2] Melancon pitched for the Staten Island Yankees of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League in 2006. He missed the entire 2007 season after having Tommy John surgery in October 2006.[5]

In 2008, he pitched for three of the Yankees minor league affiliates: the Single-A Tampa Yankees, Double-A Trenton Thunder and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, going 8–1 with a 2.27 ERA in 41 relief appearances, holding batters to a .202 batting average. Following the season, Baseball America rated him the organization's ninth best prospect.[6]

New York Yankees

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Melancon was called up to MLB for the first time on April 25, 2009.[7] He made his MLB debut as a relief pitcher against the Boston Red Sox on April 26, pitching two scoreless innings.

He was then optioned back to Triple-A team Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on May 8, and recalled back to the Majors on July 9.[8]

Melancon pitching for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in 2009

Melancon played in 13 games with an 0–1 record and a 3.86 ERA during his time in the Majors in 2009. Although he was not on the 25-man active roster for the postseason, he got his first World Series ring as the Yankees won the World Series over the Phillies.[citation needed]

Melancon started the 2010 season in the minors and made 2 appearances in the Majors accumulating an ERA of 9.00 in 2 relief appearances with the Yankees.

Houston Astros

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Melancon was traded along with Jimmy Paredes to the Houston Astros for Lance Berkman on July 31, 2010.[9] For the rest of 2010 with the Astros, Melancon went 2–0 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 relief appearances. Overall in 2010 combined with two teams, Melancon made 22 total appearances going 2–0 with a 4.22 ERA.

In 2011, Melancon experienced more playing time in the Majors as he appeared in 71 games with an 8–4 record, 20 saves, and a 2.78 ERA. On April 14 against the San Diego Padres, he walked in his only plate appearance of the season (and of his career to date). Thus through the 2020 season he has a perfect 1.000 on-base percentage for his career.[10]

Boston Red Sox

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On December 14, 2011, Melancon was traded to the Boston Red Sox for infielder Jed Lowrie and starter Kyle Weiland.[11] After only his first four appearances in 2012, where his ERA was 49.50, Melancon was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on April 18, the day after he gave up six runs, including three home runs, without recording an out against the Texas Rangers.[12] Melancon was recalled June 10 after an injury to Rich Hill. During his time in the Majors with the Red Sox in 2012, Melancon finished the season 0–2 and a 6.20 ERA and 1 save in 41 appearances.

Pittsburgh Pirates

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On December 26, 2012, the Red Sox traded Melancon, Stolmy Pimentel, Jerry Sands and Iván DeJesús Jr. to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Brock Holt and Joel Hanrahan.[13][14]

Melancon began the 2013 season as a setup reliever, with Jason Grilli as the closer.[15] He was selected as an All Star as a setup man in 2013, the first selection of his career. After Grilli went on the disabled list, Melancon was named the acting closer for the Pirates. Melancon had a 1.39 ERA, a 3–2 record, and 16 saves. In Game 3 of the 2013 National League Division Series, Melancon got his first career postseason win, but the Pirates lost the series to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games.

Melancon avoided arbitration with the Pirates by signing a one-year contract worth $2.95 million for the 2014 season.[16] He started the 2014 season as the Pirates setup reliever. He served as a closer for two weeks while Grilli was on the disabled list.[17] However, Melancon was named the Pirates new permanent closer after Grilli was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in June 2014. Melancon finished his 2014 campaign posting a 3–5 record with a 1.90 ERA and converting 33 saves in 37 opportunities.[citation needed]

Melancon at the 2015 All-Star Game

The Pirates agreed to pay Melancon $5.4 million for the 2015 season.[18][19] Starting the 2015 season as the Pirates' closer, Melancon was named an All Star for the second time in his career, and his first as a closer. He recorded his 100th career save against the Kansas City Royals and surpassed Mike Williams to become the all-time Pirates single-season saves leader, recording his 47th of the season on September 19.[20] He finished the season with a major league-leading 51 saves and won the 2015 National League Reliever of the Year Award after the season.[21]

Melancon and the Pirates agreed to a $9.65 million salary for the 2016 season, his final year of arbitration eligibility.[22][23] Melancon was named to the National League's 2016 All-Star roster, his second straight All-Star appearance and his third overall.[24]

Washington Nationals

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On July 30, 2016, the Pirates traded Melancon to the Washington Nationals for Felipe Vázquez (formerly Rivero) and Taylor Hearn.[25] He secured his first save as a National on August 7 against the San Francisco Giants.[26]

San Francisco Giants

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On December 5, 2016, the San Francisco Giants and Melancon agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract.[27]

Melancon began his tenure with the Giants by blowing a save opportunity on Opening Day 2017 after Madison Bumgarner had pitched well and hit two home runs in the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Melancon pitched the ninth inning and allowed two runs with the second run he allowed being a walk off single from Chris Owings. The Giants lost 5–6.[28] After being placed on the DL, Melancon lost the closer position to newly acquired Sam Dyson.[29]

On September 4, 2017, it was announced Melancon would undergo surgery to alleviate chronic exertional compartment syndrome in his right forearm.[30][31]

Melancon returned in the 2018 season and went 1–4 with a 3.23 ERA over 41 appearances. He performed well after his surgery but produced just a 7.2 K/9, his lowest since first appearing in the majors for the Yankees in 2009.[citation needed] In 2019 for the Giants, Melancon went 4–2 with one save and a 3.50 ERA over 43 appearances.

Melancon pitching for the Braves in 2020

Atlanta Braves

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On July 31, 2019, the Giants traded Melancon to the Atlanta Braves for Tristan Beck and Dan Winkler.[32]

In 2019 for the Braves, he was 1–0 with 11 saves and a 3.86 ERA over 23 games.[10]

In 2020, he was 2–1 with 11 saves and a 2.78 ERA over 23 games.[10]

San Diego Padres

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On February 18, 2021, Melancon signed a one-year contract worth $2 million with the San Diego Padres.[33] He was named the Reliever of the Month in the National League for April 2021.[34] He finished the 2021 season with an MLB-leading 39 saves in 45 opportunities.

Arizona Diamondbacks

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On December 1, 2021, Melancon signed a two-year $14 million contract with a 2024 mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[35] He made 62 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2022, logging a 3–10 record and 4.66 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 18 saves in 56.0 innings pitched.

Melancon received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right shoulder after suffering a strain in spring training, and was later placed on the 60-day injured list on April 9, 2023, as the injury cost him the entire 2023 season.[36] The Diamondbacks declined their side of the mutual option on November 5, making Melancon a free agent.[37]

Coaching career

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On October 8, 2024, Melancon was announced as the new pitching development coordinator for San Diego State.[38]

Personal life

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Melancon (left) with his son at the 2016 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby

Melancon and his wife, Mary Catherine, had three children as of 2016.[39][40]

Melancon owns a turf installation company based in Sarasota, Florida.[41][42]

References

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  1. ^ "Pirates and Red Sox make six-player deal," MLB.com, Wednesday, December 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2021
  2. ^ a b c d Axisa, Mike (February 4, 2009). "Prospect Profile: Mark Melancon". Riveraveblues.com. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  3. ^ "2003 Los Angeles Dodgers Picks in the MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  4. ^ Lyons, Patrick (May 8, 2019). "BSN Exclusive: Golden High School's Melancon recounts Coors Field memories". DNVR. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  5. ^ Sherman, Joel (February 25, 2008). "Melancon The Next Joba?". New York Post. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  6. ^ Manuel, John (November 10, 2008). "New York Yankees top 10 prospects". Baseballamerica.com. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  7. ^ Hoch, Bryan (April 25, 2009). "Yanks restock after injuries compound". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2009.
  8. ^ Jacobson, Julie (July 10, 2009). "Report: New York Yankees recall reliever Mark Melancon". NJ.com. Associated Press. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  9. ^ McTaggart, Brian (July 31, 2010). "Astros on verge of dealing Berkman to Yanks". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 3, 2010.
  10. ^ a b c "Mark Melancon Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  11. ^ Dierkes, Tim (December 14, 2011). "Red Sox Acquire Melancon For Lowrie, Weiland". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  12. ^ "Mark Melancon sent to Triple-A". Espn.go.com. April 18, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  13. ^ Cafardo, Nick (September 17, 2014). "Brock Holt trade a big hit for Red Sox and Pirates". Boston Globe. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  14. ^ "Red Sox acquire right-handed pitcher Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt in six-player trade with Pirates". MLB.com. January 16, 2015. Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  15. ^ Singer, Tom (May 4, 2013). "Mark Melancon, Jason Grilli dominating late for Pirates". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  16. ^ "Pirates reach new deals with 6 arbitration-eligible players". WTAE. March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  17. ^ Brink, Bill (April 28, 2014). "Melancon gets two-week closer role for the Pirates". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on April 29, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  18. ^ Singer, Tom (January 16, 2015). "Melancon, eight other Pirates avoid arbitration". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  19. ^ Hurcomb, Michael (January 16, 2015). "Pirates closer Mark Melancon agrees to $5.4M salary for 2015". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  20. ^ Perry, Dayn (September 20, 2015). "Mark Melancon sets Pirates single-season record with 47th save". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
  21. ^ Biertempfel, Rob (October 28, 2015). "Pirates notebook: Melancon named NL's top reliever". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  22. ^ Nesbitt, Stephen J. (March 17, 2016). "Mark Melancon's impact swayed Pirates to bring him back". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  23. ^ Axisa, Mike (January 15, 2016). "Jansen, Melancon, other closers land big paydays on arbitration filing day". CBSSports.com. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  24. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 5, 2016). "All-Star rosters packed with dynamic talent". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2016.
  25. ^ Collier, Jamal (July 30, 2016). "Nationals land closer Melancon from Pirates". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  26. ^ "Nationals' Mark Melancon: Notches first save as National on Sunday". CBS Sports. August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  27. ^ "Giants find their closer, give Melancon 4-year deal". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  28. ^ Pavlovic, Alex (April 2, 2017). "Giants' bullpen blow Bumgarner's historic day". NBC Sports Bay Area. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  29. ^ "Giants' Sam Dyson: Moves to closer". CBSSports.com. RotoWire. June 28, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  30. ^ "Giants' Mark Melancon to undergo surgery for rare muscular syndrome". Bay Area News Group. September 4, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2017.
  31. ^ Haft, Chris (September 4, 2017). "Report: Mark Melancon will have surgery on forearm". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  32. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 31, 2019). "Braves bolster bullpen with Greene, Melancon". MLB.com.
  33. ^ Cassavell, AJ (February 18, 2021). "Padres, reliever Melancon finalize deal". MLB.com. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  34. ^ Harrigan, Thomas (May 3, 2021). "Barnes, Melancon named April's top relievers". MLB.com. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  35. ^ Randhawa, Manny (December 1, 2021). "D-backs ink reliever Melancon to 2-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  36. ^ "Diamondbacks' Mark Melancon: Shifts to 60-day IL". cbssports.com. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  37. ^ Deeds, Nick. "Diamondbacks Decline Mutual Option On Mark Melancon". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  38. ^ Polishuk, Mark (October 8, 2024). "Mark Melancon Joins San Diego State Coaching Staff". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  39. ^ Erickson, Andrew (July 24, 2014). "Pirates' Melancon has been consistent since moving into closer's role". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  40. ^ McTaggart, Brian. "Reliever Mark Melancon leaves Astros with mixed emotions". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 26, 2015.
  41. ^ "Meet Our Team". Artificial Turf Backyard Putting Greens. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  42. ^ Clair, Michael (April 9, 2021). "The Padres' closer has a side job". MLB.com. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
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