The Phillies have acquired 6’4” RHP Michael Mercado from the Tampa Bay Rays and selected his contract to the Major League roster. In exchange for Mercado, the Phillies have sent RHP Adam Leverett and cash considerations to Tampa Bay. The Phillies’ 40-man roster is currently at 38.
Here’s a look at each.
Michael Mercado - 24 years old - drafted in 2nd round of the 2017 draft from Westview HS, San Diego, CA
2023 Stats : posted a 4.79 ERA in 52 appearances with AA Birmingham and AAA Durham. He pitched 62 innings with 95 strikeouts and 35 walks. Had a 1.34 WHIP and a .211 BAA. He posted a 63 % strike ratio.
2023 Notes : a power arm who features a four seam fastball (94 to 98 mph), curve ball and cutter. Curve was once described as a hammer curve and has been graded by some scouts as a plus pitch. In some views all three pitches have plus potential.
Mercado stands out most in his ability to command his arsenal. He was a college commitment to Stanford but signed with the Rays for a significant bonus instead.
RHP Adam Leverett - 25 years old - drafted in 15th round of the 2019 draft from Gordon State JC, Georgia
2023 Stats : made 35 appearances (eight starts) for AA level Reading amassing 64 innings and posting a 3.94 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 27 walks. He averaged 16.59 pitches per inning pitched and had a 63 % strike ratio. He pitched two or more innings in 17 of the games he pitched in serving as both a bulk reliever and spot starter. This was his third consecutive year pitching for Reading.
2023 Notes : a very likable young man, he’s pitched in multiple roles since being in the organization. Last season (2022) converted to a bulk reliever and has filled the position for two years running with Reading. Will throw a fastball (90 to 94 mph), changeup, slider and curve. He’s a command and control pitcher, knows how to pitch and attacks hitters. Change up is an out pitch - deceptive with downward plane movement and tilt.
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