Report: Nats pursuing Melancon, Davis to bolster bullpen
The Washington Nationals are reportedly setting their sights high as they target help for their scuffling bullpen.
Less than 24 hours after closer Jonathan Papelbon struggled through another ninth-inning appearance, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported the Nationals are pursuing top relievers Mark Melancon of the Pirates and Wade Davis of the Royals.
The report comes on the heels of Papelbon's latest poor outing, a one-out appearance against the Giants that marked the third time in five days the veteran closer has been pulled from the ninth early. The six-time All-Star has allowed eight runs (seven earned) over his last three appearances, suffering two losses, and a blown save during that span.
Papelbon, 35, is under contract for $11 million this year and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
| Player | SV | G | IP | K/9 | ERA | FIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Melancon | 30 | 45 | 41.2 | 8.21 | 1.51 | 2.66 |
| Wade Davis | 21 | 35 | 33.2 | 8.55 | 1.60 | 2.75 |
It remains unclear how advanced discussions are between the Nationals and the two clubs, though Washington was believed to be pursuing Aroldis Chapman before his trade to the Cubs. Davis, a two-time All-Star, has been the source of increased trade speculation in recent days, while Melancon's impending free agency also makes him a possible candidate to move before Monday's deadline.
Rosenthal noted that multiple teams were in pursuit of the three-time All-Star Melancon.
The Pirates and Royals entered Friday on the periphery of the playoff picture, with Pittsburgh two games back of the second wild card and the defending champions 6 1/2 behind a playoff spot.