Former Phillies reliever signs with postseason contender

Former Phillies reliever David Robertson has signed with a postseason contender

David Robertson signed a multi-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2019 season, with the hopes that his World Series championship experience – under then-Yankees manager Joe Girardi – would rub off on his new teammates.

Robertson went on to appear in just seven relief outings for the 2019 Phillies, under then-skipper Gabe Kapler. He went 0-1 with a disappointing 5.40 ERA. Injuries were a significant factor for Robertson, who later underwent Tommy John surgery. He attempted a comeback last season, but was not able to make a healthy return.

On Monday, the former postseason star signed a one-year deal, with the hopes of adding a second World Series championship ring to his collection. The 36-year-old signed with the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. Coincidentally, the signing came the same day former Phillies starting pitcher Jake Arrieta joined the second-place, National League Wild Card-holding San Diego Padres.

Robertson is coming off of a USA Baseball Olympics appearance. In two innings, he allowed just a hit, walk, and an earned run, while striking out four batters. Robertson will now attempt to throw his first pitches in the majors since he was with the Phillies in 2019. He will start off at the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate, while Arrieta will reportedly make his Padres debut on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies.

Ironically, Robertson and Rays manager Kevin Cash were briefly teammates on the 2009 Yankees roster. That team would go on to defeat the Phillies in the World Series, preventing the Charlie Manuel-led squad from back-to-back championships.

With the August waiver trade deadline now non-existent, teams are getting creative to add players this late, as they make their push to the postseason. It will be interesting to see if the Phillies make any similar moves of their own.