Melancon Trolls With ‘Players Weekend' Jersey, and He'll Be Back Right in Time

SAN FRANCISCO - As part of a "Players Weekend" initiative, MLB asked players to choose a nickname that will be displayed on the back of their jerseys from August 25-27. Kyle Seager of the Mariners went with "Corey's Brother." Josh Phegley of the A's is "PTBNL." In the Giants' clubhouse, there are choices like "Mad-Bum" and "Tommy."

Mark Melancon decided to troll a bit and have some fun with a "controversy" that erupted randomly this season. Melancon will wear "Stretch" on his jersey for three games, a reference to the Fox Sports story earlier this season that insisted the Giants were derailed in part by Melancon's choice to change the pre-game stretching routine for the relievers. 

The good news for the Giants is that Melancon should actually be back on the field in time to wear that custom jersey. He will travel with the Giants to Washington D.C. this weekend and could be activated. Melancon threw a sharp inning for the San Jose Giants last night, striking out two. 

"He'll be reevaluated Friday," manager Bruce Bochy said. "It seems he came out of that fine, which is good news."

It's possible Melancon throws one more time for Double-A Richmond, close to Washington D.C. He also could throw a simulated game if he feels he needs more work. Whenever he returns, Melancon could have a different role at first. Bochy said he would meet with Melancon and Sam Dyson, who has been a revelation as the interim closer. 

"It's a workable situation," Bochy said. "It's just a matter of what to do with Mark initially."

--- Elsewhere on the injury front: An MRI showed that Miguel Gomez has knee inflammation; he is day to day ... Austin Slater (groin) is doing so well that he'll go to Arizona this weekend to rehab; Bochy expects him back in September ... Brandon Belt (concussion) will see team doctors today. He will not travel with the team. 

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