Pittsburgh Pirates Week in Review: Hot vs. Not

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Apr 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher

Francisco Cervelli

(29) and

Mark Melancon

(35) celebrate after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA T-ODAY Sports

NOT

2. Mark Melancon has had his problems early on this season. In 9.1 innings pitched, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ closer has given up six runs on ten hits and has a 5.79 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Yeah, that’s not good, especially for a closer. Melancon had one of his two blow-ups of the season this past week, giving up three runs in a game against the Cubs in the 9th to blow the save as the Pirates lost 9-8. With his velocity and release point woes, the concern over Melancon may be justified. Since that blow-up, however, Melancon has only given up one hit and one walk over three innings without allowing a run in the process. End results matter most, but all fans will have their eyes on Melancon as the season progresses.

Next: Cutch

Schedule