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Nationals fill bullpen need by acquiring Pirates closer Mark Melancon

Mark Melancon is headed to the Nationals in a trade. (AP)
Mark Melancon is headed to the Nationals in a trade. (AP)

The Washington Nationals have landed the late-inning reliever they’ve been searching for at this year’s trade deadline.

According to Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal, Washington struck a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon, acquiring three-time All-Star closer Mark Melancon. In return, Pittsburgh will receive major-league left-hander Felipe Rivero, according to Rosenthal. Jon Heyman of Fan Rag adds that left-handed pitching prospect Taylor Hearn will also be included.

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The addition of Melancon is a big acquisition for Washington after they missed out on prime deadline target Aroldis Chapman. With incumbent closer Jonathan Papelbon struggling, it’s clear they wanted a more dependable arm in the ninth inning, and that’s how they view Melancon.

With that in mind, this is obviously a demotion for Papelbon, whom they acquired at this time last season to serve as their hopeful long-term closer. That hasn’t worked out, but the good news is Papelbon seems content to take a step back.

At least they won’t have to worry about a clubhouse blow up. Beyond that, perhaps this is the motivation Papelbon needed to get turned around. Either way, the Nationals bullpen is a lot better than it was coming into Saturday, which was a goal they needed to accomplish.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!