The Phillies announced that outfielder Oscar Mercado has been designated for assignment in order to open a spot on the roster for southpaw Bailey Falter, who has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start today’s game. Mercado had only been claimed off waivers from the Guardians a few days prior and struck out in his lone plate appearance with Philadelphia.
At the time of the original waiver claim, it looked as though the 27-year-old Mercado might be in line for a legitimate audition with the Phils, who will be without Bryce Harper for more than a month and who have seen both Mickey Moniak and Odubel Herrera struggle considerably of late. Mercado’s struggles at the plate in Cleveland over the past three years have been glaring, but he’s an above-average outfielder capable of playing all three spots — a skill set the Phillies sorely lack at present.
We’re not that far removed from the 2019 season, wherein Mercado finished eighth in AL Rookie of the Year voting on the heels of a solid .269/.318/.443 batting line through 115 games in Cleveland. He tallied 15 homers, 25 doubles, three triples and 15 steals to go along with strong defense and, at the time, looked to have cemented himself in the outfield there.
Instead, Mercado’s bat has curiously eroded. He’s batted just .198/.254/.331 since Opening Day 2020, and it turns out he won’t get an opportunity to right the ship with the Phillies after all. He’ll now either be traded, placed on outright waivers or released at some point in the next seven days (although the latter option seems rather unlikely). Mercado has not been outrighted previously in his career, so if he does go unclaimed this time around, the Phils would be able to send him outright to Triple-A and retain his rights without dedicating a 40-man roster spot to him.
Phillies legend
Tough day for the Fightin’s fans. All those at bat they can look back on. Hang in there Dark Side. It’s Mickey Moniak time.
Why do Dombrowski and Fuld feel obligated to play Moniak, a failed draft pick from the previous front office team?
Moniak is a stiff. NOT a major leaguer.
Mercado has accomplished far more in his rookie year and deserved a longer look, especially with the alleged swing doctor Kevin Long as hitting coach.
Sometimes, you watch the decisions the current front office makes and just shake your head in disgust.
His impact will never be forgotten.
He was designated though it was no Falter of his own.
Get out
That was Bailey a good pun.
Well if Bailey falter’s, maybe Oscar will be back.
Anyone want to buy a $159 Oscar Mercado Indians authentic jersey?
Move the decimal point 2, or even 3, spots to the left and you have a deal.
That’s like holding a piece of steak in front of your dog and then eating it.
The maple kind?
He lasted longer on the Phillies 40 man roster for 2022 than Kingery did.
Moniak has seen 355 pitches in his MLB career. He has 1 extra base hit
That makes me feel bad for Anthony DeSclafani.
Panik at the Disco!
That’s like Steve Stone giving up a homer to Duane Kuiper.
Wow…how bad do you have to be to get let go in THAT OF situation after 1 plate appearance. Yikes.
CF has been pretty good defensively for the Phils. None of them could hit though.
Moniak flied out weakly in a one pitch at-bat against Mike Ford.
Meanwhile Vierling is on fire and he woln’t get starts. SMH.
Ahh… but Vierling was not a 1st overall selection. This front office will keep running the useless Moniak out there with no logical or facts to support their choice.
Apparently he dumped your sister…..The venom for him is just getting weird at this point…..
It all worked out. Vierling started at 3b. Moniak got an RBI. Phillies win.
@VonPurpleHayes — Remember this: a broken clock (with hands) is right twice a day.
Oscar Mercado #ForeverPhillie
Another stupid decision. Send down Moniak He has repeatedly demonstrated he sucks. No reason to wonder why this team is going nowhere.
Two cents here….Moniak was 1/1, but it’s not like he wasn’t top 5 draft talent….
(Adam Haseley is another issue totally)
Look up Moniak’s minor league stats…He has s l o w l y progressed up the ladder as one of the youngest players at each level, but has not been given a legit chance at the MLB stage….For now, he should be handed, at least, the CF platoon, send Odubal out for a low A lottery ticket.
The Phillies need to find out what they have in him one way or another.
They have missed on so many 1st round picks…But for now, they have home drafted Hoskins, Bohm, Stott, Hall and Moniak in the line-up…with their solid signings…..
Give Moniak the job, even if he maxes at .240/300/.420 mostly @rhp… It would be worth it
Disagree getting rid of Herrera. He’s been a generally solid addition. Moniak has looked lost against MLB pitching. Unless he starts hitting consistently, Herrera is one of their better options. Keep platooning until someone steps up.
He had a bonus due after the second at bat.