The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen looks a lot different today than it did at this time last week. With the addition of top-tier closer Jhoan Duran, the relief corps immediately took on a new identity after the trade deadline.
The Phillies are also expecting some more bullpen reinforcements to join the team soon. However, at least one of their anticipated relief options, David Robertson, won't make it to the majors when we first thought.
David Robertson won't join Phillies' bullpen when first eligible on Tuesday
After signing the 40-year-old free agent on July 21, the Phillies optioned Robertson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to build up his arm and get up to game speed. Pitchers have to remain in the minors for a minimum of 15 days after being optioned, which would make Robertson eligible to be recalled on Aug. 5.
So, while he could technically join the Phillies on Tuesday, he needs more time, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
As The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber reported, Robertson is in what would be his second week of spring training and will need additional time with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to get things ironed out. Thomson didn't provide a timeline, so it could just be they're waiting to see how the veteran right-hander is feeling and how his stuff looks as he gets more reps.
David Robertson is more or less in the second week of spring training, Rob Thomson said. He’s eligible to return Tuesday from triple-A but will need additional time.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) August 2, 2025
Also, the Phillies will see Jose Alvarado on Monday before he goes to triple-A. His suspension runs thru 8/19.
David Robertson with a couple of rough outings in Triple-A
Robertson, who's now in his third stint with the Phillies organization, has appeared in four games in Triple-A. After throwing a couple of clean innings to begin his IronPigs tenure, he has gotten roughed up in a couple of outings. Robertson has allowed three runs in each of his last two outings. He has now allowed six runs on 10 hits while striking out three batters over four innings of work.
Robertson sat 92-93 mph while topping out at 94 mph in his most recent game on Aug. 3, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic .
Dave Robertson will not be activated Tuesday when eligible. He was 92-93, t94 at Triple A today. He's given up some runs. Phillies want him to throw a little more in minors.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 3, 2025
The Phillies will need to see a better performance from Robertson before they consider bringing him up to a bullpen that has been a weakness this season. The bullpen ranks 24th with a 4.50 ERA. Since the All-Star Break, that number has jumped to 5.36.
Robertson pitched to a 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 72 innings with the Texas Rangers in 2024. He carries a career 2.91 ERA, and the Phillies hope that he can offer some of that consistency down the stretch and through the postseason.
Robertson last pitched for the Phillies after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline. He had a 2.70 ERA in 23 1/3 regular season innings and a 1.17 ERA in 7 2/3 innings during the run to the World Series.