The Phillies announced Wednesday that Mercado will be delayed at the start of spring training due to a right shoulder injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The report doesn't provide many details on the injury, but even a minor concern could be enough to close the door on any chance the right-hander had at securing a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Mercado has made eight appearances (two starts) for Philadelphia over the last two seasons, allowing 21 earned runs on 23 hits and 14 walks in just 16 innings.