Phillies make roster moves; Wheeler tosses three shutout frames in loss to Yanks

Zack Wheeler tossed three shutout frames on Monday. | Photo: Ryan Roppings

With less than three weeks until Opening Day, the Philadelphia Phillies have made some spring training roster adjustments. 

 

On Monday morning, before a Grapefruit League game against the New York Yankees, the team announced three moves. Right-handed pitchers Tyler Phillips and Griff McGarry have been redirected to the minor league training camp, while another right-hander, Michael Mercado, has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. 

 

Phillips, a 26-year-old non-roster invitee, showcased his skills in two appearances for the Phillies this spring, conceding four hits and two runs across three innings. 

 

McGarry, once heralded as the team's No. 5 prospect, has seen his stock decline over the past year, currently ranked 11th by MLB Pipeline for the 2024 season. Given his recent performances, McGarry's reassignment to the minor league camp was anticipated. 

 

Despite a promising start to the spring, highlighted by a flawless Grapefruit League debut against the Miami Marlins on March 1 where he struck out all three batters he faced with just 15 pitches, McGarry's subsequent outings proved challenging, surrendering three earned runs and one walk in two-thirds of an inning on March 4 in Dunedin. A week later, he surrendered a hit and walked a pair of batters before pitching himself out of an inning. 

 

Mercado participated in five games, recording a 6.35 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across 5 2/3 relief innings. While his impressive ratio of 10 strikeouts to one walk shows promise, it's overshadowed by the eight hits he conceded. With three remaining options, Mercado could be considered for bullpen depth this year if he maintains improved command in Triple-A after the season commences. 

 

Monday's Action 

Zack Wheeler delivered an impressive performance, tallying three strikeouts and two walks across three scoreless innings, despite the Phillies' narrow 2-1 loss to the Yankees in Clearwater. 

 

Wheeler showcased his repertoire, including a formidable splitter, among the 47 pitches he threw. Mick Abel, returning to the mound after a hiatus due to illness, retired all five batters he faced and secured two strikeouts, notably including Juan Soto. 

 

In the ninth inning, Aramis Garcia contributed to the Phillies' offense with a pivotal double to center field, advancing Weston Wilson to third base. David Dahl followed up with a sacrifice fly, driving Wilson home. 

 

The Phillies will enjoy a day off on Tuesday before resuming action against the Detroit Tigers at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on NBC Sports Philadelphia+.