After Bryce Harper went down with a broken thumb, it was only a matter of time until the Phillies started to look for outside options. They've seemed to find one on the waiver pile.
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LHP Damon Jones was moved to the 60-day IL to create room on the 40-man for Oscar Mercado.
He was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Guardians. He's still pre-arbitration eligible, so his price tag was little to nothing.
Oscar Mercado Pre-Phillies
Mercado hasn't had much success at the major league level. Since 2020, Mercado is hitting .198 with a .585 OPS. The Phillies will be hoping that he can find a way back to his 2019 form when he placed 8th in AL Rookie of the Year voting. That season he slashed .269/.318/.443 with 15 homers and 15 steals.
Mercado was most likely picked up for his outfield flexibility. He's played at all 3 outfield positions just this season. He's also flashed Gold Glove potential patrolling the outfield.
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Mercado's best feature for the Phillies is that there is absolutely no risk in picking him up. If the Phillies find a better major league piece before the trade deadline, he's easily droppable. If he finds success in Philadelphia it's just icing on the cake.
As a righty, Mercado will most likely split time with lefty Mickey Moniak who was just recalled from Lehigh Valley.
These low-risk moves aren't sexy but they can lead to finding the all-elusive diamond in the rough.
Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
