By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies have placed starting pitcher Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list with a brusied right knee. The move is retroactive to June 26. There is hope in the Phillies clubhouse that Eflin will only miss one to two starts. Bailey Falter is expected to start in Eflin's place on Friday night.
Eflin is 3-5 on the season with a 4.37 ERA, 56 Ks, 15 BBs, and a 1.191 WHIP in 68 innings pitched. The highpoint of Eflin’s season came on June 3 against the Los Angeles Angels when he scattered five hits and struck out six over eight scoreless innings. Eflin has struggled since early June with knee discomfort.
In a corresponding move, the Phillies have added outfielder Oscar Mercado to the roster in place of Eflin.
Mercado was claimed off of waivers from the Cleveland Guardians on late Monday. The 27-year old batted .202 with 4 HRs, 16 RBIs, and 2 SBs in 119 at-bats with Cleveland. The 2nd round pick of the Cardinals in the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft, Mercado is a career .235 hitter with 26 HRs, 95 RBIs, a .287 OBP, and a .388 SLG.
