Good Riddance: Phillies DFA Carlos Hernández recall bullpen arm from Lehigh Valley

The Phillies did what needed to be done. On Thursday, the ball club announced that they have officially designated Carlos Hernández for assignment.

Good Riddance: Phillies DFA Carlos Hernández

Prior to today’s game against the Chicago Cubs, the Phillies recalled RHP Michael Mercado from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Carlos Hernández was designated for assignment.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 11, 2025

Carlos Hernández was a March waiver claim and never found his footing in the bullpen. A 5.26 ERA over 25.2 innings pretty much tells the story. Way too many walks, too few strikeouts, and not a single ounce of reliability.

A DFA for Carlos Hernandez wasn’t intended to shake things up. This was a move to stop the bleeding.

Unfortunately, there’s no reason to get your hopes up about Michael Mercado. He’s not going to fix anything and cannot be considered a solution to anything.

This is what we’re dealing with. Michael Mercado gets the call from Triple-A Lehigh Valley after posting a 5.31 ERA in 17 relief appearances. That includes 12 earned runs in just 20.1 innings. He’s been better recently (2.08 ERA over his last eight outings since May 11), but that’s more “respectable Triple-A arm” than “big-league savior.”

In other words: one bullpen liability out, another one in.

Mercado, 26, was originally a second-round pick by the Rays and came to Philly in the offseason for Adam Leverett and cash considerations. He made five appearances for the Phillies earlier this season and was fine—nothing awful, nothing memorable. He earned a win in his first career start at Wrigley Field last July.

Cool story. Not moving the needle.

This move is less about upside and more about necessity. Carlos Hernández obviously wasn’t cutting it, and the Phillies needed a body with a pulse and a fresh arm.

That’s what we have with Michael Mercado. Just don’t confuse “new face” with “better option.” This bullpen still needs serious help.

Just take care of Weston Wilson and Johan Rojas next and I’ll be much happier.

Today’s Phillies Lineup vs Chicago Cubs:

Midweek rubber match#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/bpz5oI43Nk

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 11, 2025

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