SAN FRANCISCO -- The Nationals made acquiring bullpen help their top priority prior to Monday's non-waiver Trade Deadline. They addressed that need Saturday afternoon, completing a trade for right-hander Mark Melancon from the Pirates in exchange for left-handers Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn. The deal allowed the Nationals to acquire a closer without giving up any of the top prospects they deemed untouchable before the deadline. "We put a lot of work into a lot of different ideas and deals -- this one made the most sense for us," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "He's a known commodity and he's a successful late-inning reliever and a guy we had followed for years. A good makeup guy. Battle...
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