Struggling Pirates closer Mark Melancon has changed his release point and his velocity is down. But he has not complaining about any physical issues.
"No, I'm good," he told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
His pitching was not good in his last outing. Entering in a non-save situation against Detroit, he gave up four hits and three earned runs in one inning. But coming off a season in which he saved 37 and compiled a 1.90 ERA with 71 strikeouts and just 11 walks in 71 innings, he will likely have a long leash.
Melancon claimed he was unaware that his release point had changed.
"Maybe it will give me more angle," he said. "It's news to me. I think it's just early. Obviously I'd like to have (velocity) at peak and keep it at peak. I don't have any worries of it not ever getting back. I've always felt like I increased (velocity) throughout the year. My routine in the offseason is always the same."