Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Melancon has not pitched since last Friday because he's "battling some fatigue," Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The manager stressed that Melancon is fine, but that he's "backing off" certain players when the need arises. Melancon's had a rough spring and should not be considered the Diamondbacks' sole closer.

Melancon allowed one hit and walked one while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's spring game against Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon authored his first scoreless appearance over three Cactus League outings. The reliever's 16.88 ERA this spring has manager Torey Lovullo exploring several options to close games in 2023.

Melancon allowed two runs on three hits while striking out one over one inning in Monday's spring game against Kansas City.

EDGE Analysis

That makes two disappointing -- maybe alarming -- Cactus League outings by Melancon, who's given up five runs on nine hits over two innings this spring. While he was not named the sole closer, Melancon is expected to be part of the crew that closes out games, but not if results like this are the norm. Those speculating on Arizona saves may want to keep the names Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply handy. Of the group, Mantiply has the most success so far this spring.

Melancon allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two over one inning in Friday's spring game against Seattle.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon made his spring debut in the fourth inning and immediately was tagged for a single and a home run. After a strikeout, the next four hitters reached base, which included an out on the base paths, before he finished out the inning. Melancon operated as the team's closer to start 2022 before losing the job then reclaiming it late. He'll be part of the late-game mix, although manager Torey Lovullo said the closer role will be fluid.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the Diamondbacks' closer role will "be fluid," which means Melancon is not a lock to finish games, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. "I haven't yet made up my mind about naming somebody as our ninth-inning guy," the manager said.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon opened the 2022 season as the sole closer, but his grip on the job was tenuous. He finished the year with a 3-10 record, 18 saves and three blown saves and a 4.66 ERA, including stints when he was removed from the role. Lovullo sounds open to the idea of having a fluid bullpen. Beyond Melancon, the manager could be eyeing Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply.

Melancon didn't allow a baserunner during the 10th inning to pick up the save against the Astros on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon's number was called in the bottom of the 10th, and he proceeded to retire all three batters he faced on a total of six pitches to record his first save since Aug. 17. The 37-year-old reliever has been solid for the Diamondbacks in September to the tune of a 2.70 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 10 appearances.

Melancon allowed one hit and two walks while striking out one over a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon retired the first two batters before loading the bases on a single and two walks but escaped the jam. It was the eighth consecutive outing that the former closer entered in a non-save situation. Melancon has a 5.56 ERA with three saves, eight strikeouts and eight walks over 11.1 innings (13 appearances) since manager Torey Lovullo moved to a closer-by-committee in early August. Ian Kennedy had solidified the role for a spell, but he's had issues of late (32.40 ERA last three outings), which prompted the manager to describe his closer situation as "fluid."

Melancon allowed four runs on three hits and a walk without retiring a batter in Saturday's 16-7 loss to the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

St. Louis batters jumped on Melancon, who entered the top of ninth inning with Arizona down by a run, and he lasted just 12 pitches. Edwin Uceta followed and gave up a grand slam (three runs charged to Melancon) and then some. Melancon had pitched well after being removed from the closer's role until Saturday's results. The performance continues a pattern in which Melancon's more effective with a save on the line (2.89 ERA) than in non-save situations (5.48 ERA).

Melancon earned a save against the Giants on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon came on in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead, and he was able to retire the side on just nine pitches. A wild pitch on a strikeout allowed the first batter he faced to reach base, but that was quickly wiped out by a double-play grounder. Since blowing a save Aug. 1 against Cleveland, Melancon has converted three straight save opportunities while giving up only one run over five innings. He and Ian Kennedy have alternated the past six successful saves for Arizona and appear to be locked into the top spots in a closer committee.

Melancon tweaked his delivery since Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo added other relievers to the closer mix, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports. "I've been always trying to tweak things to be better," Melancon said.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon said the changes are barely perceptible to the naked eye and involve tightening his torso and creating more tension throughout his body to hone his command. "I'm creating more down angle, or cut, on the ball," Melancon said. "And just less stress on the shoulder, creating more tension throughout." The changes, however small, have worked for the right-hander. In the three outings since the role change, Melancon has allowed one hit and three walks with three strikeouts over three scoreless innings, which includes two saves.