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Edgar Garcia and his devastating slider called up to Phillies from triple A

Garcia began the season by posting a 1.65 ERA in 13 appearances for Lehigh Valley.

Edgar Garcia was in spring training with the big-league club.
Edgar Garcia was in spring training with the big-league club.Read moreJOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer

In five seasons in the Phillies' farm system, Edgar Garcia gained a reputation for having a devastating slider. As much as anything, that pitch got him to the big leagues.

The Phillies called up Garcia from triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday to replace fellow right-hander Enyel De Los Santos, who was sent down after Sunday’s game.

Manager Gabe Kapler believed Garcia would match up well against the Cardinals’ righty-heavy lineup. St. Louis has only two left-handed hitters (Matt Carpenter and Kolten Wong) and two switch-hitters on the bench (Dexter Fowler and backup catcher Matt Wieters).

Garcia began the season by posting a 1.65 ERA in 13 appearances for Lehigh Valley. He gave up three runs on six hits and six walks and struck out 23 through 16⅔ innings. Kapler noted Garcia’s improving fastball command, but the 22-year-old right-hander is well aware of the importance of his signature pitch.

“I have a lot of confidence, a lot of faith, in my slider,” Garcia said through a team translator. “I can throw it in any count. I was successful because of my slider. It is one of my best tools. I wouldn’t be here without my slider.”