The Philadelphia Phillies are making strategic moves in their bullpen as they aim to enhance their performance in the upcoming weeks. Recently, they acquired veteran right-handed pitcher David Robertson, who has shown promising results during his time with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. On Tuesday, he pitched one inning, delivering nine pitches with only one hit allowed, according to manager Rob Thomson. “The velocity was 90-plus. Didn’t touch 91. Threw strikes,” Thomson noted, indicating that Robertson is building his stamina with plans to pitch again on Friday.
Robertson rejoined the Phillies on July 20 after taking time off at the start of the season for family reasons. This marks his third time with the team, and his arrival is expected to provide significant assistance as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado, who has been sidelined since May 18 due to a suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation, is set to return on August 18. His re-entry could be a major advantage for the Phillies, though his ineligibility for the postseason is a considerable setback. The team is staying in contact with Alvarado, who is currently in Venezuela, and Thomson indicated that the plan for his reintegration into the lineup will depend on his performance upon returning.
The Phillies are also keeping an eye on outfielder Max Kepler’s performance. Thomson expressed optimism about Kepler’s approach at the plate, despite his recent tough luck in not converting well-hit balls into hits. Kepler, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal during the offseason, is looking to improve upon his .203 batting average with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the organization is weighing its options, and unpredictability is part of this period, as evidenced by last-minute lineup changes and strategic adjustments against opposing pitchers. Thomson decided to retain his left-handed lineup against the White Sox’s left-handed pitcher Tyler Alexander, indicating a focus on maintaining consistency despite the dynamic nature of trades and roster moves.
Overall, the Phillies are aiming for a more robust performance in the second half of the season, and with returning players and potential strategic acquisitions, there’s hope for improvement.