Pirates closer Melancon traded to Nationals

Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO

When Mike Rizzo and Dusty Baker called Mark Melancon on Saturday from the visiting clubhouse at AT&T Park, one thing that impressed them right away about their new All-Star closer is that he planned to immediately check in with Jonathan Papelbon.

“It says a lot about his character and makeup, and that was a big reason why he was such an attractive target to us,” said Rizzo, Washington’s general manager. “His performance level is great but his makeup and character are a lot of the reason that we went out and got him. That tells me he’s team-first and Mark Melancon second.”

Washington sent reliever Felipe Rivero and pitching prospect Taylor Hearn to the Pirates to acquire Melancon, who supplants the struggling Papelbon as Washington’s closer. Rizzo and Baker also spoke to Papelbon, who made it clear he “wants to win,” Baker said.

Melancon is expected to join the Nationals on Sunday for their series finale at San Francisco.

Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington tried to tell Melancon he had been traded. And tried. And tried.

“I felt bad because I missed his call three times because my phone was on silent, so I woke up to that,” the reliever said after he awakened from his nap and learned of the deal.

A 31-year-old right-hander, Melancon has converted 30 of 33 saves with a 1.51 ERA this season and joins his fifth organization in eight years. He is making $9.65 million and is eligible for free agency after the World Series; as part of the swap, the Pirates will pay Washington $500,000 on Sept. 1.