Oscar Mercado back with Cleveland Guardians

Oscar Mercado did not spend much time away from the Cleveland Guardians.

He had been designated for assignment back on June 21 and was claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies on June 27. Considering the Phillies desperately needed outfielders, especially ones that could play in center, that move made sense. There was a chance that he could end up being a part of their future.

Cleveland Guardians bring Oscar Mercado back home

That future lasted for four days. Mercado barely had time to unpack his locker before he was designated for assignment on July 1. This time, he is heading back home, as he has been claimed off of waivers by the Guardians.

Mercado’s time in Philadelphia will not exactly be memorable. He had one plate appearance, striking out as a pinch hitter. Afterward, he spent the following two innings in center, where he did not have any fielding chances. It was nothing to write home about.

But such has been Mercado’s career since the beginning of 2020. He once appeared to be a building block for the Guardians, notching a decent 98 OPS+ with 15 homers and 25 doubles in his 482 plate appearances in 2019 while stealing 15 bases. That did not prove to be the case, as Mercado has produced a miserable 61 OPS+ with 11 homers and 18 doubles in 451 plate appearances since while stealing 12 bases. He just has not panned out as the Guardians had hoped.

Nonetheless, the potential is still there. Mercado is just 27 years old and could rebound. His being designated for assignment twice could be a wake-up call, allowing him to recapture the potential he displayed in 2019. The Guardians are certainly hoping that is the case.

Oscar Mercado did not leave the Cleveland Guardians for long. He is back with the organization as he has been claimed on waivers.