The Phillies released outfielder Oscar Mercado after he opted out of his minor league contract, returning him to the open market. Mercado, a five-year MLB veteran, has struggled to find consistent playing time at the major league level since his impressive rookie season in 2019, and recent roster moves by the Phillies, including acquiring Harrison Bader, may open new opportunities for him elsewhere.
Oscar Mercado, who returned to the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason, went 3 for 4 with a double and five RBIs as the Cardinals beat Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-5. Mercado became the fourth player in club history to have a five-RBI game while batting in the No. 9 hole in the batting order. The Cardinals took three of the four games in the series and moved a game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds and out of the National League Central Division cellar.
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-5 on Sunday, with Oscar Mercado leading the way with five RBIs. The Cardinals had three players with three hits or more, including Nolan Arenado and Tommy Edman. The win marked the Cardinals' fourth consecutive series win and moved them out of the National League Central Division cellar. The Cardinals chased Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw from the game after 3 2/3 innings, his shortest outing of the season.