In need of outfield depth, Phillies claim Mercado
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PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson said on Sunday in San Diego that the Phillies are considering different lineup combinations, following Saturday’s news that Bryce Harper has a broken left thumb.
Harper is expected to miss weeks, but possibly more.
The Phillies on Monday claimed outfielder Oscar Mercado off waivers from the Guardians. They will add him to the 26-man roster as soon as he joins the team.
A corresponding move will come then.
Mercado, 27, batted .202 with four home runs, 16 RBIs and a .604 OPS in 49 games this season. He has slashed .235/.287/.388 in 932 career plate appearances. He provides the Phillies a little more depth in the outfield as Thomson said Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber are the two most likely candidates to DH while Harper is on the injured list.
The Phillies recalled left-hander Damon Jones from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, then placed him on the 60-day injured list to make room for Mercado on the 40-man roster. Jones’ injury is listed as a left shoulder impingement.