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NL East Gets Tougher with Blockbuster Trade

By George Stockburger |
Jul 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Mark Melancon (35) prepares to pitch against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Pirates won 2-1 in eighteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Mark Melancon (35) prepares to pitch against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Pirates won 2-1 in eighteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple reports, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made a major move with the Washington Nationals.

The National League East has just gotten better thanks to a trade made by the Washington Nationals as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.

Fox Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal reports the Nationals have beefed up the back-end of their bullpen by acquiring closer Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Washington will send 25-year-old relief pitcher Felipe Rivero and Single-A pitching prospect Taylor Hearns up north to Pittsburgh.

Rivero was once ranked the 16th-best prospect in the Nationals farm system prior to being called up to the majors last season. Hearns is not among the Nationals top prospects, but was drafted by the team in the fifth round last year.

Pittsburgh has previously been linked to Hearns after drafting him in 2012 in the 22nd round. He opted to attend college instead, and was drafted later by Washington.

Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) argues with second base umpire Alan Porter (64) after being ejected from the game during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) argues with second base umpire Alan Porter (64) after being ejected from the game during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington had previously acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies last year, but the 35-year-old has struggled mightily this season. He owns a 4.41 era, has blown three saves, and earned four losses.

It will be interesting to see Papelbon’s reaction to the Nationals acquiring an all-star closer.

One National League hitter told Ken Rosenthal the Pirates got a steal in this trade with Melancon only signed to a one-year contract.

Melancon has a 1.51 era this season and has converted 30/33 saves this year. He gives the first place Nationals some much-needed depth in the back of their bullpen.

Rosenthal added that Pittsburgh is not done quite yet with making moves, and that they are looking into acquiring a starting pitcher.

Phillies pitcher Jeremy Hellickson has been linked to the Pirates, but no deal is imminent between the two cross-state teams.

Next: Rangers Linked to Vincent Velasquez at the Trade Deadline

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