The Philadelphia Phillies enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign, finishing with a 95-67 record and securing their first NL East title since 2011. While stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola garnered most of the headlines, every player who donned a Phillies uniform contributed in some way to the team’s success.
However, several players who briefly appeared with the Phillies in 2024 have already faded from fans’ memories. Here’s a look at four such players, their fleeting moments in Philadelphia, and how their time with the team came to an end.
Ricardo Pinto
Right-hander Ricardo Pinto had a memorable debut but a forgettable tenure. Called up on April 2 to face the Cincinnati Reds, Pinto battled travel chaos to arrive just in time. He made an impression in his debut, earning his first career save by tossing four innings and striking out four, despite allowing two runs on five hits.
Unfortunately, that success was short-lived. Pinto struggled in subsequent outings, finishing with a 10.97 ERA over six appearances. He was designated for assignment in late April to make room for Taijuan Walker’s return from the injured list. Pinto remained in the minors until mid-August, when he was released as part of organizational roster cuts.
Aramis Garcia
Veteran catcher Aramis Garcia provided depth behind the plate but had minimal impact. Signed during the 2022-23 offseason, Garcia spent 2023 in the minors before getting a brief call-up in September 2024. He filled in for J.T. Realmuto, who suffered a knee contusion.
Garcia played in three games, starting twice, but went hitless in seven at-bats with three strikeouts and a double-play groundout. His stint ended when Alec Bohm returned from the injured list, and Garcia was designated for assignment.
Michael Mercado
Acquired in the 2023-24 offseason from the Tampa Bay Rays, Michael Mercado arrived with promise. Ranked as the Phillies’ No. 19 prospect by MLB Pipeline, the right-hander flashed potential in the minors. However, his major league outings were disastrous.
In five games (including two starts), Mercado posted a 1-2 record with an 11.08 ERA and 1.92 WHIP over 13 innings. While his performance was disappointing, Mercado’s raw talent suggests he could still develop into a productive big-league pitcher in the future.
Luis Ortiz
Luis Ortiz entered 2024 as a breakout candidate for the Phillies’ bullpen after showing promise in 2023 and excelling during spring training. However, his season quickly derailed.
In his debut, Ortiz allowed two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning before exiting with a sprained ankle. What seemed like a minor setback spiraled into a series of injuries, including shoulder and forearm issues. By mid-July, Ortiz underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, effectively sidelining him through most of 2025.
In November, the Phillies outrighted Ortiz, making him a free agent and officially ending his tenure with the organization.
While their time with the Phillies was brief, each of these players left their mark—however faint—on the team’s 2024 journey. For now, their departures mark the end of their chapters in Philadelphia, with uncertain futures ahead.
Leave a Reply