Bochy: Melancon won't be Giants' closer when he returns from injury

When right-hander Mark Melancon returns from a forearm injury in a couple of weeks, the San Francisco Giants won't use him as their closer, according to Bruce Bochy.

The manager explained to The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly that he wants Melancon to settle back in with a lower-leverage role and will keep the back end of his bullpen as is. Melancon is set to begin a Triple-A rehab assignment Monday.

This likely means Hunter Strickland, who owns a 2.29 ERA and has saved nine games, will remain in the position.

Melancon was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right forearm injury on March 29, and an MRI later showed inflammation in his flexor tendon. He was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 28.

Dr. James Andrews confirmed Melancon had no ligament damage at the beginning of April and the pitcher received a stem cell injection to help with his recovery.

The 33-year-old Melancon was signed to a four-year, $62-million contract before the 2017 season to be the Giants' closer.

Since arriving in the Bay Area, he's saved 11 games and owns a 4.50 ERA during 32 appearances.