Market lit up by Braves as Phillies lose series to end trip

Market lit up by Braves as Phillies lose series to end trip originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia

ATLANTA — It was a tall order on paper and Phillies rookie Michael Mercado lit up for the Braves in his second career start, serving up three homers and five runs without finishing the second inning.

Mercado loaded the bases on walks in the bottom of the first, but escaped with a lineout to shortstop. The second was significantly worse. Adam Duvall greeted Mercado with a home run to the second deck in left field, Orlando Arcia and Eli White singled to flip the lineup and Jarred Kelenic hit a three-run home run. Two batters later, Matt Olson retired Mercado to right center.

The rookie needed 57 pitches to record just five strikeouts in the Phillies’ 6-0 loss. He lines up to make one more start before the All-Star break on Saturday at home against the A’s.

The Phillies have little starting pitching depth other than Mercado. Their fifth and sixth starters, Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull, are on the injured list with blister and lateral strain, respectively. Turnbull will be available until mid-August. Walker is expected to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park and could throw live batting practice Saturday. He will need several starts of rehab before returning to the Phillies rotation, but could return in late July or early August.

The Phils also have right-hander Tyler Phillips, who started 15 games at Triple A with a 4.89 ERA, on the active roster. Phillips made his big league debut Sunday in the bottom of the fifth and struck out Olson, Marcell Ozuna and Travis d’Arnaud in his first career inning. The 26-year-old struck out seven in four innings, allowing a solo run to White.

Phillips was the only bright spot in the Phillies’ loss. They had no extra-base hits on Saturday for the fifth time this season and were shut out on Sunday for the third time.

The Phils are off Monday before a six-game homestand leading up to the All-Star break. They have the Dodgers Tuesday through Thursday and the Athletics Friday through Sunday. Kyle Schwarber and potentially Bryce Harper could be back on Tuesday and the Phils offense needs them.