Melancon has tossed six scoreless innings in six Grapefruit League games, striking out five without permitting a walk.
The closer was rumored to be on the offseason trading block, but the team decided to allocate its funds to the lock-down pitcher. The 31-year-old will be a free agent following the 2016 season. Melancon could be traded in the event the Pirates fall out of contention by the trade deadline. In that case, Tony Watson would take over closer duties.