Mark Melancon to Miss the Start of the Season with Shoulder Injury

The door opens a little wider for the bullpen competition

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

As reported by Steve Gilbert, last year's closer Mark Melancon will miss the start of the 2023 season with a shoulder injury

D-backs right-hander Mark Melancon has a shoulder issue. The extent of the injury is unclear, per GM Mike Hazen, but he appears likely to miss the start of the season.

— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) March 16, 2023

Coming off an NL Best 39 saves in 2021 with the Padres, Melancon was signed by the Diamondbacks to a two year, $14 million contract prior to the 2022 season.  While he saved 18 games and only blew 3, the 37 year old closer struggled all season, most notably  in non save and tie game situations, posting a 4.66 ERA and a 3-10 record. 

Melancon was not having a good spring, His velocity was down and his results were poor. He had not pitched since last Friday, and his absence was originally described as "fatigue"

Even if healthy, his role in 2023 was in question. The team has indicated they are not looking to name a designated closer to start the season, preferring to play matchups and see how things shake out over the season. As reported yesterday, the competition for the available opening day roster spots is crowded.  With Melancon on the shelf for the time being, there are still eight potential candidates for four open spots. 

The four pitchers assured a spot in the opening day bullpen are Miguel Castro, Scott McGough, Joe  Mantiply and Andrew Chafin. 

Kyle Nelson is competing for a role but it's unclear if the team wants a third lefty in the pen. The right handers in contention include a collection of power arms with swing and miss stuff. Non roster invitee Jeurys Familia may be moving up to the top of the list. With the severity of Melancon's injury unknown it's impossible to project exactly what the team might do. However if the injury is serious and he requires a 60-day IL stint, then that opens up a 40-man roster spot for Familia. Familia has pitched well this spring and has closing experience.

Kevin Ginkel, Cole Sulser, Corbin Martin, Luis Frias, and Carlos Vargas all fit the bill as power relievers that pitching coach Brent Strom emphasized are needed for late inning challenges.  As they say, when one door closes, another door opens.