LOS ANGELES -- The Giants will start the season without their closer.
Mark Melancon was put on the disabled list Thursday morning with a right elbow flexor strain. Melancon, who had surgery on his pronator last September, had complained of some lingering discomfort all spring and was shut down after making back to back appearances last week.
He was to test his arm by playing catch Wednesday, and apparently it did not go well.
Reyes Moronta was recalled from Triple-A to take Melancon's spot. He joins Pierce Johnson and Roberto Gomez in giving depth to a staff that has been decimated in recent days. Madison Bumgarner (hand) and Jeff Samardzija (pectoral) will also start the season on the DL.
Sam Dyson appears the front runner to take over for Melancon for now, although Tony Watson and Hunter Strickland could get opportunities. Strickland did not allow a run all spring.
