Phillies Roster Moves: Mercado active tonight against Braves, Eflin heads to 15-Day IL
Quick roster update before the Phillies open up a crucial three game series tonight against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
Newly acquired Oscar Mercado has reported to the Phillies and will be active for tonight’s game off the bench. Mercado will wear jersey No. 35 previously belonging to Phillies legend Cole Hamels. To make room on the 26-man roster, Zach Eflin has been placed on the 15-IL (retro to 6/26) with a right knee bruise.
Phillies Roster Moves
Oscar Mercado has spent four years in the major leagues, all with the Cleveland Guardians. He’s totaled 272 games with the team, hitting .235/.287/.388 in that time, good for a .604 OPS. He’s hit 26 HRs throughout his 4-year career while having 95 RBIs and 200 hits.
Mercado was claimed off waivers by the Phillies when Bryce Harper went down with a broken thumb. Damon Jones was recalled from Lehigh Valley and placed on the 60-day IL as a corresponding move.
Tough break for Zach Eflin, who has dealt with his fair share of knee issues in the past. Eflin has labored through his last few starts and something clearly was bothering him, so this move honestly doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Regardless, the Phillies have three against the Braves with no Bryce Harper. Wheeler will get the ball tonight, followed by Ranger Suarez and Aaron Nola.
