Phillies Make Long-Awaited Bullpen Change, DFA Carlos Hernández
The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen has been struggling, and fans have been vocal about the need for changes. With the team going 2-10 in their last 12 games, the front office has finally acted.
Before Wednesday’s game against the Cubs, the Phillies designated right-hander Carlos Hernández for assignment and called up Michael Mercado from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. This move comes shortly after reliever José Ruiz was also DFA’d.
Hernández’s latest outing on Tuesday seemed to be the last straw. Entering with two men on base and the Phillies trailing 6-4, he allowed both inherited runners to score. Although those runs were charged to Joe Ross, the damage was done. Despite his high-velocity fastball, Hernández never found consistent command. In 25 games this season, he posted a 5.26 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, and allowed a high percentage of hard contact, with a 15.3% barrel rate — among the worst in the league.
Initially acquired off waivers from the Royals, the Phillies had hoped his elite fastball could make an impact. But with poor strikeout and walk rates, that potential never materialized.
Mercado Gets Another Shot
In Hernández’s place, Michael Mercado rejoins the big-league club. The 26-year-old, ranked the Phillies’ No. 23 prospect, has transitioned to a full-time reliever role in Triple-A this season. Though his overall numbers (5.31 ERA, 1.62 WHIP) aren’t stellar, he’s been much better of late — posting a 2.08 ERA with 12 strikeouts and just two walks over his last 13 innings.
Mercado made his MLB debut last year but struggled, ending with an 11.08 ERA in 13 innings. Now, the Phillies hope his recent form can provide some much-needed stability to a bullpen that ranks 24th in MLB with a 4.58 ERA.
