Washington Nationals acquire Pirates closer Mark Melancon by trade route

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The Associated Press reports the news the Washington Nationals have traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates left handed relief pitcher Felipe Rivero and their minor league left handed relief pitcher Taylor Hearn to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for their closer Mark Melancon. The Pirates are currently in third place in the National League Central Division with an outside chance to make another wild card appearance this year which makes the decision to trade their Melancon to the Nationals who are currently in first place in the National League East Division wondering if the Pirates have given up hope to make another playoff run this year. Melancon can become a free agent at the end of the current baseball season. Pirates general manager Neal Huntington decided to acquire Rivero and Hearn to be part of the team for their future since he was not sure if he could sign Melancon to a contract extension before the start of the next baseball season. The Nationals current closer Jonathan Papelbon will be replaced by Melancon as their closer for the remainder of the current baseball season. Papelbon has struggled in his role as the Nationals closer this year. The Nationals believe that based on Melancon's performance as their closer for the Pirates they will improve their chances of making another playoff run this year.