With Jason Grilli on the disabled list because of an oblique strain, Pirates reliever Mark Melancon could likely assume the closer role, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on Friday. Left-hander Tony Watson is also another candidate for the gig in the ninth inning.

Melancon has allowed just two runs over his first 11 innings pitched. He owns a 0.73 WHIP along with an 8:1 K:BB ratio over that span. Watson owns a 2.61 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 10 1/3 innings of work.

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