Phillies Acquire Left-Hander Josh Fleming, Righty Michael Mercado from Tampa Bay Rays in Major Roster Shake-up

Phillies claim Fleming off waivers as he returns from elbow inflammation, get Mercado in trade that sends Adam Leverett to Rays; Pitchers Michael Plassmeyer and Erich Uelmen sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

• The Phillies have claimed left-hander Josh Fleming off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, and acquired right-hander Michael Mercado in a trade that included right-hander Adam Leverett and cash.
• Both Fleming and Mercado are now added to the Phillies' 40-man roster to enhance their pitching depth.
• Fleming, who made his big league debut in 2020, had spent time on the injured list from June 3 to August 11 this year due to left elbow inflammation; he has a career ERA of 4.88 in 55 games, including 22 starts, all with the Rays.
• Michael Mercado, originally drafted by the Rays in 2017 - the same year as Fleming - posted a 4.79 ERA in 52 appearances spanning double A and triple A.
• To make room for the new additions, the Phillies have relegated left-hander Michael Plassmeyer and right-hander Erich Uelmen to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

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