The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to wait to call up veteran relief pitcher David Robertson from Triple-A. Robertson recently signed with the team and has been building up with Lehigh Valley. Matt Gelb of The Athletic posted on X that the team will not be promoting Robertson when he is first eligible on August 5. Gelb noted that the club believes Robertson needs more time to build up. Furthermore, Robertson will probably need closer to a month than the minimum 15 days to get ready. This is because Robertson waited to sign until mid-season, meaning he did not participate in spring training. Waiting till September 1st roster expansion to call up Robertson is the best option.
Phillies May Wait Until Roster Expansion To Call Up Veteran Pitcher
Robertson has a 0-1 record with a 13.50 ERA in four minor league appearances. Robertson has a 5.99 FIP, a 3.00 K/BB rate, and a 2.75 WHIP so far. Although the sample size is limited, Robertson has a 2.25 HR/9 allowed rate, which is not good. Opposing batters have a .476 average against Robertson. In addition, opposing batters have a 44.4% HardHit rate against Robertson this season. Robertson also has a 33.3% HR/FB allowed rate. Robertson needs more time in Triple-A. Waiting until rosters expand enables Robertson to improve his velocity closer to normal and get back into a routine. This will also make roster management easier for the Phillies.
Roster Crunch That Influences Timing
In the coming weeks, Aaron Nola will return from the injured list, and José Alvarado can return from his suspension on August 19. Seth Johnson, Max Lazar, and Alan Rangel are in line to be optioned once Nola and Alvarado come back. This gives the Phillies one flexible spot to use for Robertson if they choose. Come September 1, when rosters expand to 28, the Phillies will be able to add an extra pitcher and position player for the remainder of the regular season. Joe Ross is also on the injured list, and it remains to be seen when he will return. If Ross comes back before September 1, this would allow him to stay on the team. Ross cannot be optioned to the minor leagues and is currently on a rehab assignment. That rehab assignment does expire before September 1.
Potential To Create Room For Top Prospect To Debut
Another scenario involves Ross being released or other roster moves occurring. Jesús Luzardo should move to the bullpen at some point. That would include someone taking over that rotation spot. Taijuan Walker will presumably move back to the bullpen when Nola returns. This would likely not happen until August 15 or later, but top prospect Andrew Painter is expected to see time in the majors. Unless someone from the existing 26-man roster is released, this is the easiest way to clear a path for Painter. Although Painter is not having the greatest season, the Phillies likely want to see him pitch at the major league level this season. This would allow for Robertson to build up more in the minor leagues as well. Luzardo pitching out of the bullpen will allow for easier workload management.
Main Photo Credits: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The post Phillies May Wait Until Roster Expansion To Call Up Veteran Pitcher appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.