Many Pittsburgh Pirates fans were on his back after posting a 5.28 ERA in April, however Mark Melancon has been selected to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.
The announcement, which came Monday night, means that Melancon has made his second ever All-Star Game after first accomplishing the feat in 2013.
Much of April was spent analyzing Melancon’s velocity drop and two outings in which he allowed three runs. One of those outings resulted in his lone blown save of the season.
Since April however, Melancon has allowed one run [May 11]. This streak has lasted for 33.2 innings.
This past Sunday, Melancon earned his 27th save of the season against the Cleveland Indians. This tied Glen Perkins of the Minnesota Twins for most saves on the season.
Melancon’s selection continues a streak since 2010 of at least one Pirates reliever making the All-Star Game. Evan Meek started the streak in 2010, while Joel Hanrahan was selected in both 2011 and 2012. Melancon and Jason Grilli continued the streak in 2013 and last season Tony Watson was named.
Melancon has successfully converted 25 consecutive save opportunities which is one behind a team record set by Hanrahan in 2011. Melancon’s 27 saves are one behind Grilli’s 2013 mark for most prior to the All-Star Break. Grilli ended up with 33 saves that season. The Pirates are 42-1 when leading after eight innings and a lot of that is because of Melancon.
As of his selection, Melancon has pitched in 41 games and 40 innings. He has a WHIP of 0.98 and previously had two sub-one WHIP seasons.
Photo courtesy: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
