No shortage of players the Giants expected to depend on in 2017 have battled injuries and suffered through extended stints on the disabled list.
Closer Mark Melancon is not an exception.
After enjoying a remarkably healthy career during the first eight seasons of his Major League career, Melancon has landed on the disabled list twice this season with elbow issues.
On Saturday, the Giants activated the 32-year-old right-hander from the disabled list after he missed 36 games with what was technically referred to as a right pronator strain.
Though the Giants signed Melancon during the offseason to a four-year, $62 million to shore up back-end of the bullpen issues that plagued San Francisco in 2016, manager Bruce Bochy indicated on Wednesday that Melancon will not initially return to his closer role.
On Friday, multiple reports suggested that Sam Dyson will remain in the closer’s role for now, while Melancon will ease his way back into high-leverage situations.
After posting a 1.64 earned run average and converting 47-of-51 save opportunities last season, Melancon has struggled through the worst statistical season of his career since 2012, as he’s saddled with a 4.35 ERA and has already blown four of his first 15 save chances.
To clear space for Melancon, the Giants placed infielder Miguel Gomez on the 10-day disabled list with right knee inflammation.
Gomez injured his knee on Tuesday evening in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs.