Daniel Robert has stepped up for the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in recent weeks. With José Alvarado serving an 80-game suspension, the Phillies have needed others to step up. Alvarado’s absence has left a significant void in the Phillies’ bullpen, which multiple players have attempted to fill. Robert, in limited playing time, has shown an ability to take some pressure off other Phillies relief pitchers.
Daniel Robert Quietly Helping Phillies Bullpen
Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks have had to take on more closing opportunities as the other two left-handed pitchers in the Phillies bullpen. Additionally, the Phillies have had Orion Kerkering face left-handed hitters more often. This is because Kerkering has reverse splits to some extent. Another reason is that the Phillies have just two left-handed bullpen options instead of three. That will change when Alvarado returns from his suspension.
Performances After Being Traded To Philadelphia
The Phillies acquired Robert in a trade with the Texas Rangers on May 1. Enrique Segura was traded to the Rangers as part of the deal. Segura is currently in Low-A. This season, Robert has a 1.42 ERA and a 2.93 FIP in nine major league appearances. Robert has a 1.57 K/BB rate and a 1.89 WHIP in the majors this year. 91.7% of the runners that have been on base while Robert is pitching have been left on base. Robert has not allowed a run in eight of his nine major league outings with the Phillies. Since being recalled from Triple-A on June 28, Robert has a 0.00 ERA and a 2.03 FIP in seven games. To add, Robert has a 2.23 K/BB rate and a 1.41 WHIP during that stretch.
Role Going Forward
With the recent signing of David Robertson and expected trades, Robert will probably be optioned soon. However, Robert has made a strong case to at least be on the roster when it expands to 28 on September 1. Robertson is not eligible to pitch for the big league club until early August unless there is an injury or something along those lines. Furthermore, it is anticipated that Robertson will be called up once he is eligible. Alvarado can return from his suspension in mid-August. Each of those transactions will require corresponding 26-man roster moves. It also remains to be seen what will happen at the trade deadline and when Aaron Nola will return from the injured list.
Overall Bullpen Roster Crunch
Robert is one of multiple Phillies relief pitchers who will be affected by the upcoming roster decisions. Unless the Phillies move on from the injured Joe Ross or Jordan Romano, they lack roster flexibility. This is because Robert, along with Seth Johnson, Max Lazar, and Alan Rangel, are the most likely players to be optioned. Banks and Kerkering have minor league options available, but there is no reason to option either of them. The Phillies could take a page out of their 2024 trade deadline playbook. Last year, they traded from their major league relief group. This will also complicate potential efforts by the Phillies to acquire multiple relief pitchers at the trade deadline this year.
Main Photo Credits: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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