Watson threw six of eight pitches for strikes in a scoreless eighth inning Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Following a three-game rut during which he allowed seven earned runs in 2.1 innings, Watson has compiled three holds in five scoreless frames in his last five games. The lefty registered his 13th hold Monday -- he totaled a NL-leading 41 holds in 2015.

Watson allowing two earned runs in one inning Sunday, marking the third straight outing in which the lefty has given up at least one earned run.

EDGE Analysis

Albert Pujols belted a high fastball over the left field wall for a two-run dinger. Watson, who's been touched up for seven earned runs in his last 2.1 innings, last surrendered runs in three consecutive games in May of 2013. His velocity is fine but he continues to find too much of the middle of the plate.

Watson will return from the paternity list Saturday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

He hasn't pitched since May 23 but has actually gone longer time periods in 2016 without appearing in a game. Pittsburgh will welcome the hard-throwing lefty back into the pen -- it wouldn't be surprising to see him available for Saturday's tilt.. Watson has lowered his earned-run average to 2.18 by stringing together 10 scoreless outings.

Watson was placed on the paternity list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Watson will leave the team for a bit in order to attend to the birth of his child. The minimum stay on the paternity list is three days, so the left-hander could return to the Pittsburgh bullpen sometime over the weekend. In the meantime, right-hander Rob Scahill will take his spot in the bullpen after being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Watson would likely serve as Pittsburgh's closer Wednesday if the team decides to rest Mark Melancon.

EDGE Analysis

Melancon has pitched in each of the last three days while Watson has appeared just one time since May 11. There's also a lesser chance Neftali Feliz could get the opportunity, based upon late-game matchups. Watson has recorded four holds and one win in his last six outings (all scoreless).

Watson pitched a perfect eighth inning Wednesday for his first win of the season.

EDGE Analysis

His average fastball velocity (92.5 mph) was off a bit, but he effectively mixed in his changeup. Watson has compiled six straight scoreless outings, registering three holds and one win, as he shakes off a slow start.

Watson, who threw a scoreless inning for his eighth hold Sunday, is working to correct a flaw in his delivery, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

"The velocity has ticked up, the sharpness to the pitch location has improved," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I do think he's heading in the right direction." Watson has allowed three homers in 14 games after giving up three home runs in 77 overall contests in 2015. The lefty has thrown five straight scoreless outings, compiling a 2.87 ERA and 1.15 WHIP thus far in 15.2 innings.

Watson gave up one hit in a scoreless eighth inning against the Reds on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Watson has uncharacteristically struggled in the early going, allowing five runs in 6.1 innings over six outings prior to Friday. Pittsburgh has periodically pitched him in the seventh inning rather than the eighth -- if the situation calls for a high-leverage out, marking a change from the past. Watson's clean showing Friday gives fantasy owners hope that he's putting his early-season struggles behind him.

Watson struck out two batters in a scoreless seventh inning Sunday, earning his first hold of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Clint Hurdle utilized Watson an inning earlier than usual, with the lefty tossing a clean seventh frame while facing three left-handed batters. He leads all major-league hurlers with 75 holds over the past two seasons and figures to add to that total unless and until Pittsburgh trades closer Mark Melancon, which would likely give Watson the closer's job.

Watson pitched two scoreless innings Sunday and has allowed three earned runs in seven spring innings.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty enters 2016 as Mark Melancon's key setup man for the third straight campaign. With Melancon set to leave for free agency after the season, Watson will likely become the team's closer. It is interesting to note that he's blown 14 of 19 career save opportunities, but he's never served as the go-to guy. Watson compiled a 1.91 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and a 62:17 K:BB ratio in 75.1 innings last year.