The Cleveland Indians, desperate for an offensive upgrade, have called up Oscar Mercado. He’ll be starting in left field in this afernoon’s game against the White Sox.
Mercado, 24, was hitting .294/.396/.496 four home runs and 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts through 30 games for Triple-A Columbus. He can play all three outfield positions and, obviously, has some wheels.
Mercado, a second round pick by the Cardinals in 2013, was traded to the Indians last summer in exchange for minor league outfielders Conner Capel and Jhon Torres.
The Indians have the 27th ranked offense in baseball and are, by far, the worst offensive team among contenders.