KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -The Philadelphia Phillies placed right-hander Freddy Garcia on the 15-day disabled list because of a right shoulder strain Saturday and signed Jose Mesa to a major league contract.
Garcia was bombed in an 8-4 loss to Kansas City on Friday night, giving up six runs in 1 2-3 innings. A key offseason acquisition, Garcia is 1-5 with an ERA of 5.90.
The 41-year-old Mesa is fifth among active pitchers with 320 saves. He was 1-1 with a 12.46 ERA in 16 games with Detroit before being released earlier this season. Last season with Colorado he was 1-5 with one save and a 3.86 ERA in 79 games.
From 2001-03 with the Phillies he was 12-16 with a 3.77 ERA and a club-record 111 saves.
“I’ll pitch him wherever we need him,” said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. “He’s always been the kind of guy who stayed in shape and worked hard and everything. And his experience speaks for itself. Is there a place where he can pitch on our team? Yeah.”
Garcia signed a $10 million contract this year but has been a major disappointment. He opened the season on the DL with tendinitis in his right biceps. He will see team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti on Monday.
Manuel hinted Friday night that he was unhappy with the veteran right-hander for continuing to go to the mound even though he was hurting.
“I think he thought he could go out there and pitch. He thought he could still pitch, although he was hurting,” Manuel said.
Manuel said he would announce on Monday who would take Garcia’s next start, on Wednesday against the White Sox.
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