D-backs P Mark Melancon expected to start season on 60-day IL

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Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Mark Melancon is expected to begin the season on the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder injury, per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

The news comes after per MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reported Wednesday that it appeared the reliever was likely to miss the start of the season because of the injury.

Gilbert added that general manager Mike Hazen could not speak on the extent of the shoulder issue.

In three games this spring training, Melancon posted a 16.88 ERA, allowing five earned runs, 10 hits and a walk in 2.2 innings pitched. He struck out four batters and registered a 4.125 WHIP.

Melancon was a high-profile signing in the bullpen prior to last season. He was signed to a two-year deal after making the All-Star team for the San Diego Padres in 2021 with a league-leading 39 saves. The hope was that Arizona would have a more definitive and consistent closer after a few years of lacking that.

The right-hander, however, struggled immensely. Melancon went 3-10 with a 4.66 ERA, allowing 29 runs, 63 hits and 21 walks in 56.0 innings. He eventually lost his closer’s role in August when D-backs Torey Lovullo went in favor of using a committee.

Arizona’s closer role heading into spring training was up in the air, with Melancon seemingly still in the mix alongside names from last year like Joe Mantiply and Kyle Nelson. There are a few new additions as well such as Carlos Vargas, Scott McGough, Miguel Castro and Andrew Chafin.

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