Michael Mercado

The Phillies optioned Michael Mercado to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Fantasy Impact

Mercado pitched once this week since being recalled on Monday. He should see more appearances in Triple-A.

The Phillies have recalled Michael Mercado from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Fantasy Impact

Mercado will take the roster spot of Jose Alvarado, who was placed on the restricted list Monday. The 25-year-old has a 1.96 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 24 games in Triple-A this season.

The Phillies optioned Michael Mercado to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Fantasy Impact

Mercado struggled mightily across four appearances this season. He heads back to Triple-A.

Michael Mercado struggled mightily in Sunday's 18-3 loss to the Athletics, surrendering six earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two over four innings.

Fantasy Impact

This performance inflated his ERA to 9.26 and WHIP to 1.71 through his first two starts of the season. Mercado's ability to miss bats has been less than stellar with a K/9 of 6.2, and his control issues were highlighted by a poor 1.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Given these early struggles, fantasy managers should be wary of relying on him in their rotations, especially in leagues that penalize heavily for earned runs and WHIP.

Michael Mercado will be moved to the Phillies bullpen.

Fantasy Impact

Mercado struggled in his last start against the Braves on Sunday. Tyler Phillips will start for the Phillies on Saturday against Oakland.