3 current, ex-Phillies join Team USA for Olympics qualifier
By Matt Rappa
1. David Robertson
The Phillies paid veteran reliever David Robertson more than $20 million in 2019 and 2020, only to get 6 2/3 innings in return. The 36-year-old — who competed against the Phillies in the 2009 World Series as a member of the New York Yankees — battled through an elbow injury that eventually led him to needing Tommy John surgery.
Facing more than 30 batters in early 2019, Robertson allowed eight hits, four runs (all earned), one home run, and six walks, while striking out six batters en route to an 0-1 record, 5.40 ERA, and 2.100 WHIP ratio. Robertson eyed a return last summer, however suffered a setback and therefore missed the entire COVID-19 shortened season.
Before his injury, Robertson was considered among the most durable relievers. The 12-year veteran was among those who helped Team USA earn the gold medal at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In four appearances and 3 2/3 innings, Robertson allowed for hits, one earned run, and no walks while striking out two batters en route to a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and .267 opposing batting average.
The free-agent recently told the New York Post that he hopes this opportunity to help Team USA qualify for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo will be his path back to pitching in Major League Baseball. In mid-February, the right-hander threw his second of two showcases this past offseason. More than a dozen teams in attendance saw him sit at 90 to 91 miles per hour, while maxing out at 92 miles per hour on “multiple occasions,” notes MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.