After Bryce Harper went down with a damaged thumb, it was solely a matter of time till the Phillies began to search for exterior choices. They’ve appeared to search out one on the waiver pile.
LHP Damon Jones was moved to the 60-day IL to create room on the 40-man for Oscar Mercado.
He was designated for project by the Cleveland Guardians. He’s nonetheless pre-arbitration eligible, so his price ticket was little to nothing.
Oscar Mercado Pre-Phillies
Mercado hasn’t had a lot success on the main league degree. Since 2020, Mercado is hitting .198 with a .585 OPS. The Phillies will probably be hoping that he can discover a method again to his 2019 kind when he positioned eighth in AL Rookie of the Yr voting. That season he slashed .269/.318/.443 with 15 homers and 15 steals.
Mercado was probably picked up for his outfield flexibility. He’s performed in any respect 3 outfield positions simply this season. He’s additionally flashed Gold Glove potential patrolling the outfield.
Mercado’s finest characteristic for the Phillies is that there’s completely no danger in selecting him up. If the Phillies discover a higher main league piece earlier than the commerce deadline, he’s simply droppable. If he finds success in Philadelphia it’s simply icing on the cake.
As a righty, Mercado will probably cut up time with lefty Mickey Moniak who was simply recalled from Lehigh Valley.
These low-risk strikes aren’t attractive however they’ll result in discovering the all-elusive diamond within the tough.
Photograph by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire