It’s been a disappointing start to the Mark Melancon era in San Francisco. Signed to a four-year, $62 million contract this offseason, Melancon was signed to slam the door in the ninth inning and stabilize a bullpen that had tremendous struggles in 2016.
Instead, Melancon has a 4.35 earned run average, four blown saves, and is currently on the disabled list with a right pronator strain.
The rest of the Giants’ roster hasn’t performed much better. The Giants sit at 38-61 and at the bottom of the National League West. It’s only July 23, yet the Giants are all but out of playoff contention. It’s not the situation they envisioned themselves being in, but now that they’re here, the Giants will take their time in bringing back Melancon.
“That’s why we’re taking our time,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Padres. “That’s why we took a big step back and not let him pitch through it, but give him some time off and let’s rehab this thing. If we were in a better situation (in the standings), there’s probably a chance he’d be out there pitching or close to be pitching. But because of where we’re at, it’s wise that we make sure he’s right.”
Signing an elite closer like Melancon was priority No. 1 for the Giants in the offseason. He was looked by many to be the missing piece that could catapult the team to a deep run in October. Melancon, nor anyone in the organization, expected the 2017 season to shake out how it has.
“I think he’s handled it well, I do,” Bochy said. “He’s a smart guy and he knows he has to do the right thing because of the time he’s going to be here. We didn’t sign him for just this year. We got a few years here to have him closing for us. He’s doing the smart thing, just like we are.”
While the Giants won’t rush him back, Melancon is making progress toward getting back on the field. Bochy said he threw 25-to-30 pitches in a bullpen session prior to Sunday’s game.
“I thought the session went well. It’s a matter of how he came out of it,” Bochy said. “I don’t have a target date (for his return) that I can give you. We’re going to make sure he’s ready. Watching him today, he looks like he’s taking a big step here.”