Roque

Mercedes

Mercedes, 24, posted an unremarkable 4.36 ERA and 1.70 WHIP over 53 2/3 innings in 2010 at the Triple-A level. He was removed from Arizona’s 40-man roster to clear room for new backup catcher Henry Blanco.

The Brewers claimed Mercedes less than two months ago, but they had to clear a 40-man roster space for Mark Kotsay and decided to part with the unproven right-hander. He finished with a 4.36 ERA and 1.70 WHIP at the Triple-A level last season. Because he’s 24, teams will look to claim him.

He was former property of the Brewers, having been sent to Arizona in the Felipe Lopez deal in 2009. Mercedes posted an unimpressive 4.36 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in his first taste of Triple-A in 2010. He’s just 24, though, and held a 1.78 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 rate over 60 2/3 innings between High- and Double-A in ’09. He’s compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.

Mercedes was designated for assignment last week so that the Brewers could clear a 40-man roster spot for new outfielder Mark Kotsay. The 24-year-old drew no interest on waivers, however, and is back in the Brewers’ system. He will be around at big league camp this spring and could climb his way to the majors in an emergency this summer.