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The Guardians introduced a bunch of roster strikes earlier than tonight’s contest with the Twins (relayed by Mandy Bell of MLB.com). Outfielder Oscar Mercado has been designated for task, whereas reliever Nick Sandlin was optioned to Triple-A Columbus. The strikes clear lively roster area for starter Aaron Civale and designated hitter Franmil Reyes, every of whom has been reinstated from the injured record. The sequence of transactions clears a spot on the 40-man roster, which now totals 39.
Mercado has been a member of the Cleveland group for almost 4 years. The membership acquired him from the Cardinals on the 2018 commerce deadline in a uncommon prospect-for-prospects swap, sending decrease degree outfielders Jhon Torres and Conner Capel the opposite approach. Mercado reached the large leagues the next Might, and he shortly cemented himself as Terry Francona’s main heart fielder. Over 482 plate appearances throughout his debut season, Mercado hit .269/.318/.443 and tallied 15 house runs and stolen bases apiece.
Paired with highly-regarded defensive metrics, the previous second-round choose seemed to have emerged as a member of the long-term core. His low stroll totals and modest energy all the time capped his offensive upside, however he confirmed above-average contact expertise and the athleticism to make an influence on the basepaths and with the glove. That hasn’t confirmed the case, nevertheless, as Mercado’s productiveness on the plate has taken a nosedive since his rookie yr.
He didn’t hit in any respect in the course of the abbreviated 2020 season, and Cleveland despatched him again to Triple-A on non-compulsory task to open the 2021 marketing campaign. He had a succesful however unspectacular displaying over 45 video games with Columbus, however he was however recalled on the finish of June. Mercado spent the remainder of the season within the majors however managed a modest .224/.300/.369 displaying by means of 238 plate appearances.
2021 was Mercado’s last minor league choice yr, which means the Guardians needed to maintain him on the large league roster this season. They’ve carried out so for the primary two and a half months, however he’s posted only a .202/.227/.377 line by means of 49 contests. The continued offensive difficulties ultimately proved an excessive amount of for the entrance workplace to disregard, notably with Reyes now wholesome and rookie outfielder Oscar González off to a powerful begin to his MLB profession. Cleveland acquired Myles Straw final summer season to function the on a regular basis heart fielder, whereas Steven Kwan has held his personal as the first starter in left subject.
The Guardians will now have per week to commerce Mercado or attempt to run him by means of outright waivers. He’s nonetheless simply 27 years previous, and his mixture of bat-to-ball expertise and defensive acumen may lead one other crew to accumulate him. Any membership that does so must maintain Mercado on their lively roster or DFA him themselves, however he’s but to succeed in arbitration eligibility and has some MLB success on his resume. That’d make him an fascinating depth flier for a crew looking for a fourth or fifth outfielder.
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