Phillies Shake Up Bullpen: Mercado In, Hernández Out

With the Philadelphia Phillies closing out their three-game series with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, the team made a move in the struggling bullpen by designating right-handed pitcher Carlos Hernández for assignment.

Phillies Make a Change in the Bullpen

In his place, the team recalled right-hander Michael Mercado, who is 2-0 with two saves, a 5.31 ERA (and 22 strikeouts in 17 relief appearances at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Read More: Phillies Add Pitcher Michael Mercado from Tampa Bay

Carlos Hernández’s Struggles This Season

Hernández, 28, was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals during Spring Training, struggled with the Phillies, posting a 5.26 ERA (15 ER, 25.2 IP) in 25 relief appearances for the Phillies this season.

Mercado has been up with the Phillies as a starter, making his first career start on July 2 at Wrigley Field. Overall, he appeared in five games in 2024 with an 11.08 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, making two starts and three relief appearances.

Wednesday’s Phillies Lineup vs. Cubs

The Phillies will close out their three-game set with a few changes to their lineup.  Max Kepler moved to their No. 5 spot in the order, followed by J.T. Realmuto and Bryson Stott moving down to the seventh spot.

One other change is a positional swap with Otto Kemp moving to first and Alec Bohm moving to his normal third base.

1. Turner 6
2. Schwarber DH
3. Bohm 5
4. Castellanos 9
5. Kepler 7
6. Realmuto 2
7. Stott 4
8. Kemp 3
9. Rojas 8
Luzardo P

Luzardo Looks to Bounce Back After Rough Outings

Lefty Jesús Luzardo is looking to get back on track after struggling against the Blue Jays on Thursday, surrendering eight runs in 2.1 innings.  Overall, in his last two starts, Luzardo has given up 20 runs, taking his ERA from 2.15 to 4.46 in losses to Toronto and Milwaukee.