Hector

Mercado

Mercado had been scheduled to fill in for a game with Kevin Millwood and the rest of the rotation pushed back to Sunday. But manager Larry Bowa thought better of keeping his regular starters on their routine and using Mercado in relief.

Mercado had a 4.55 ERA in 124 2/3 innings with the Reds and Phillies from 2000-03. He’ll probably open the season in Triple-A.

Joe Roa, who is being sent to the bullpen because of Brandon Duckworth’s return, will take over as Philadelphia’s top middle reliever for now.

Even though Mercado’s hamstring strain wasn’t at all major, the Phillies left him in the minors for nearly a month. It’s possible that they’ll try to send him through waivers after Terry Adams comes back.

Mercado likely will make one more appearance before being activated.

Mercado, who is out of options, has been left in the minors much longer than necessary. He’s pitched 15 innings since beginning a rehab assignment on April 27.

Mercado had been a candidate to start games with Brandon Duckworth hurting. Joe Roa will continue to start in case Duckworth has a setback. Mercado and Roa are both out of options and only one is likely to make the Phillies.

Mercado would make $330,000 on the major league roster or $204,000 if he pitches in the minors. The left-hander will compete for a rotation spot this spring, but he’s likely to begin the season in the bullpen or at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Mercado had a 4.55 ERA in 124 2/3 innings with the Reds and Phillies from 2000-03. He spent part of last year pitching in the Texas system and finished with a 1.71 ERA in 31 2/3 IP for Triple-A Oklahoma. He might see time in the Detroit pen later on in the year.