David Robertson returned to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, rejoining a bullpen that has been reshaped at the trade deadline and is trending positively in August.
Robertson walked into the visitors’ clubhouse at Globe Life Field with a grin and was greeted by Bryce Harper and several teammates. The right-hander, whose 2025 season debut came after a brief stint at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, said the return felt “kind of strange” because it brought him back to Texas — where he pitched in 2024 — and back to Philadelphia for the third time in his career.
The veteran worked 5 1/3 innings for the IronPigs, striking out six and walking one across multiple outings, including back-to-back appearances on Aug. 6 and 7. He signed with the Phillies on July 20 for a pro-rated portion of a one-year, $16 million contract — roughly $5.5 million for the remainder of the season — after declining a mutual option with the Rangers and taking a $1.5 million buyout to test free agency following the 2024 season.
Robertson, who spent part of the offseason away from baseball to be with family, said last month: “But, I mean, the league hasn’t told me yet that I’m not good enough to play anymore. And I haven’t been told to go home. So, if I’ve got the opportunity to step between the lines and give everything I’ve got, I’m going to fulfill that itch and try to win some ball games.”
Manager Rob Thomson described Robertson as another trusted arm among relievers such as Jordan Romano, Max Lazar and Tanner Banks. Thomson plans to ease Robertson into action and initially use him in lower-leverage innings unless circumstances dictate otherwise. “A lot of good options there,” Thomson said of the bullpen mix.
Robertson’s arrival follows the addition of closer Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline and comes as José Alvarado prepares to return from a performance-enhancing-drug suspension on Aug. 19. The bullpen’s effectiveness has shifted this season: from May 18 (the start of Alvarado’s suspension) through July 31 the group ranked 18th in baseball in ERA (4.34), but in August — without Alvarado or Robertson — the bullpen has posted a 2.18 ERA, ranking sixth.
The roster move that opened Robertson’s spot sent minor-league starter Alan Rangel back to Triple-A. Rangel had provided extra length out of the bullpen and notched his first career save earlier this season during a previous call-up.
With Alvarado’s imminent return and Aaron Nola also expected back at some point, Philadelphia faces several decisions about who will remain on the roster. The core Thomson mentioned — Banks, Robertson, Romano and Lazar — currently features three right-handers; add Joe Ross and there are potentially four. Max Lazar has options and could be sent down and then recalled when rosters expand in September. Romano has struggled to regain form since midseason, and Ross has battled injury and inconsistent results; those factors could influence who is moved when roster crunches arrive.
Recent performance snapshots:
– Jordan Romano: five earned runs and five strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings since the start of July.
– Joe Ross: four earned runs and five strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings since early July, including time on the injured list.
– Max Lazar: nine strikeouts and eight earned runs, including a six-run outing, over 12 2/3 innings in the same span.
For now, Robertson is ready to do whatever the team needs. “I don’t really care when I pitch,” he said. “Whatever it takes, whenever they want to put me in, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
Editor notes and suggestions
– Suggested headline: David Robertson Rejoins Phillies Bullpen; Manager Plans Measured Role
– Photo caption: David Robertson, a veteran reliever returning to Philadelphia, meets teammates in the visitors’ clubhouse.
– SEO meta description suggestion: Veteran reliever David Robertson was promoted from Triple-A and rejoined the Phillies’ bullpen Sunday. Manager Rob Thomson plans to ease him in while José Alvarado’s Aug. 19 return looms.
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– Suggested slug: david-robertson-returns-to-phillies-bullpen
Short summary
David Robertson was promoted from Triple-A and returned to the Phillies’ bullpen after signing a pro-rated one-year deal in July. Manager Rob Thomson will use him cautiously at first, and Robertson’s addition gives Philadelphia more late-inning flexibility as José Alvarado’s suspension ends Aug. 19 and the club navigates impending roster decisions.
Positive context
The Phillies have built depth in their bullpen through trades and veteran additions; Robertson’s presence strengthens late-game options and provides experienced relief insurance as the team balances returns from suspension and injury. Bringing back a seasoned bullpen piece who has been successful in postseason settings adds composure and matchup versatility during the playoff stretch.
Logical note
When teams add veteran relievers midseason, managers commonly ease them in with lower-leverage work to let them regain feel and rhythm. With multiple relievers on the roster who have options, the Phillies have roster flexibility to manage hot streaks and slumps while prioritizing short-term performance and long-term playoff readiness.