Phillies: David Robertson feels good, eyes midseason return
By Matt Rappa
Reliever David Robertson eyes an August return to the Phillies active roster
For right-handed Philadelphia Phillies reliever David Robertson, he is doing everything he can to get back on the field to compete and help his team to their first postseason appearance since 2011.
Currently on the 60-day disabled list and not among the 53 players the Phillies invited on Sunday to their summer camp, which starts later this week, Robertson is still rehabbing from his full Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery last August — which repaired his torn UCL and flexor tendon.
The 35-year-old, 12-year veteran — who previously played under manager Joe Girardi on the New York Yankees, as well as part of the 2009 World Series championship team that defeated the Charlie Manuel-led Phillies — joined WFAN Sunday evening and said that he is “very close” to being back throwing off the mound.
So far, so good for Robertson with rehab
Robertson hopes to at least make it back halfway through the season, which would roughly be the last full week of August.
“Considering everything, everything’s been going really well for me,” said Robertson, who added he feels “really good” and that his fastball velocity has returned. “I feel like I’m a couple of months ahead of schedule and I’m just trying to do everything I can to get back.”
Also, the right-hander said he feels good with just starting to spin his curveball again; he said he does not feel any tenderness, either: “My arm feels pretty much brand new, I just got to get that feeling for all my breaking stuff and where I can make that jump and be ready for some live action.”
“I’m itching to play. I haven’t had to sit this long and not play in a game ever in my life, so I’m kind of going nuts a little bit. I’m ready to get back out there and let it rip a few times.”