Phillies bring back Robertson to stabilize bullpen

The Phillies recalled veteran reliever David Robertson for his 2025 debut, adding a trusted late-inning option as the playoff push heats up.

Phillies Bring Back David Robertson to Stabilize Bullpen

The Phillies announced today that they recalled right-handed reliever David Robertson for his 2025 debut, and optioned fellow righty Alan Rangel to Triple-A. Robertson, who turned 40 in April, is set to begin his 17th major league season and his third with Philadelphia. If he appears in tonight’s game, he’ll face his former club, the Texas Rangers.

Robertson has been one of the league’s top setup relievers in recent years. In 2022–24, he worked more than 200 innings with a 2.82 ERA and a strikeout rate above 30 percent. He signed a prorated one-year deal worth 16 million for 2025, which will pay about 6 million this season, a figure that places him among the higher paid relievers in baseball this year.

Age and the timing of his return were likely factors behind the slow free agency market this winter. He hasn’t pitched since missing spring training and the first months of the season, and early Triple-A outings have shown some bumps. The Phillies will still need him to blend quickly with a bullpen that includes Jhoan Duran, Kerkering, and Strahm as they chase a deep postseason run, especially with Jordan Romano not fully back to his All-Star form and Jose Alvarado sidelined by a suspension.

Robertson’s recall illustrates how clubs value trusted late-inning options even when a pitcher is nearing 40. The risk is real: a big contract for a reliever with limited recent MLB action could backfire if the velocity and command don’t return. If Robertson does regain his peak form, Philadelphia gains a high-leverage arm that can ease pressure on younger relievers and shorten games in tight spots.

Economically, the move is a calculated bet. The prorated 16 million deal is not a bargain, but it isn’t crippling for a pennant contender either. The Phillies are banking on a quick ramp to playoff readiness, betting that Robertson can translate resume into results in a crowded bullpen. If he stumbles, the team faces a muddier path to October and potential payroll constraints for upcoming seasons.

Highlights

The bullpen road to October remains crowded with questions and chances alike.