Pirates' Hurdle on Mark Melancon: We're not seeing same velocity

After blowing a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Tuesday's loss to the Cubs, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he's noticed a drop in pitcher Mark Melancon's velocity, reports MLB.com.

"Right now, we're not seeing the crispness we've seen out of his pitches in the past,” Hurdle said. "There's been a velocity drop… of a couple of ticks."

Although Melancon said he's unaware of the drop in his pitch speed, his cutter averaged around 87-88 mph during his struggles Tuesday after averaging 91.6 mph last season, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"I don't pay attention to that," Melancon said. "I'm worried only about results."

Hurdle added that Melancon is not injured and he is not experiencing any pain in his arm, reports MLB Network Radio.

"He's not pitching at the level we've seen the last two years," Hurdle said.