The Diamondbacks have removed Mark Melancon from the closer’s role, writes Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic. Melancon was signed in the offseason to a two-year, $14MM deal, and there’s still value to be extracted from that deal, even if Melancon doesn’t return to the ninth inning. After all, Melancon may still receive some save opportunities, but the Diamondbacks will explore a situation-based approach for the rest of the season. Let’s check around the league for other roster updates…
- The Nationals have released southpaw Josh Rogers, who elected free agency after clearing outright waivers. Infielder/outfielder Dee Strange-Gordon has also been granted his release. Strange-Gordon was in his second stint with the Nationals this season, but he requested a release after not being called up to the Major League club, per Bobby Blanco of MASNsports.com. As for Rogers, the 28-year-old began the year in the Nats’ rotation, making three starts before a move to the bullpen. In all, Rogers posted a 5.13 ERA/6.42 FIP over 26 1/3 innings.
- Kyle Farmer’s run of 192 consecutive starts at shortstop will end with a move to the hot corner, writes Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Youngster Jose Barrero is getting the call-up from Triple-A, and he’ll be given the rest of this season to showcase his ability to be a regular at the position. Farmer, meanwhile, will move to third base and, in the long term, probably back into more of the utility role that he played for most of his career before taking over as the Reds regular shortstop in 2021. Farmer was a substantial defensive upgrade over Eugenio Suarez at the time, but his defensive metrics (-4 OAA, -1 DRS) at shortstop suggest there’s still room to improve for the Reds as a franchise.
The D-backs BP is better than last year, but Melancon has been pretty rough attempting to hold down the 9th. I’m surprised Lovullo waited this long to make a change.
Yep, I’ve been wondering why they hadn’t move him out of the closer role. I guess the recent 2 blown saves/losses on consecutive days finally did the trick.
I’ll always root for “Stretch” Melancon. Had the same demeanor and attitude as a Pirate whether he was set-up, mop-up or closer. Fierce competitor and doesn’t make excuses.
If Jose Barrero doesn’t seize this opportunity he may not get many more chances, with all the other SS prospects the Reds have collected.
He needs to be left in AAA until he gets his K/W down to 2/1. He’s not remotely close to that now.
The kid can’t hit the slider, and every team across AAA knew it. I’m not expecting much TBH, if he can’t hit it down there he’s not gonna hit it in The Show…
Two home runs for Barrero tonight. I think that qualifies as a good start.
An excellent start, but both were on fastballs. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love for the kid to outright claim the position !
23 is sink or swim time for Jose. 24 on there will be many SS coming.
I remember when we let Jose Valverde walk over a million bucks.
Hard to believe a Closer with 10 Losses only has 3 blown Saves