Urgency builds for Phillies — “We’re all aware of Father Time,” J.T. Realmuto says
Former Phillie returns for spring training, bolstering outfield depth
Do you ever find yourself lying awake at night and reflecting on what your favorite moment of Óscar Mercado’s first stint on the Philadelphia Phillies was? The former second-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 MLB Draft made his way to Philly in 2022, but he got just one at-bat in the big leagues, striking out in the process.
You’re forgiven if you don’t remember that happening.
However, it sounds like Mercado has been brought back to the Phillies and will get his shot at redemption. On Friday, the Phillies announced that Mercado and infielder Christian Arroyo have both been signed to minor league contracts. Each of the veterans will be in big league spring training as non-roster invitees.
The Phillies have invited two additional players to attend major league spring training as non-roster invitees.
Phillies bring back Óscar Mercado on minor league contract
Back in June of 2022, Mercado was claimed off of waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. He got into that one game for the Phillies, struck out, and was then designated for assignment once again on July 1. That lone at-bat was the only one he logged in the entire Phillies organization, never having suited up in the minor leagues.
