The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to promote veteran pitcher David Robertson to the major leagues. Robertson was not called up when first eligible on August 5, but the Phillies now make the move to bolster their bullpen. To make room for Robertson on the 26-man roster, Alan Rangel has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Rangel has a 2.45 ERA and one save in five major league outings this season. With this move, Max Lazar, Orion Kerkering, and Tanner Banks are the only remaining pitchers on the Phillies’ 26-man roster who can be optioned to the minor leagues. Kerkering and Banks are unlikely to be optioned. This limits roster flexibility until September 1.
Robertson had a 0-1 record with a 10.13 ERA in six minor league appearances to ramp up. He had a 4.25 FIP in those outings, along with a 6.00 K/BB rate and a 2.250 WHIP. Opposing batters also had a .423 average and a .526 BABIP against Robertson. Those numbers are not great for the most part, but the 40-year-old had not pitched since the end of last season prior to those games. Robertson now enters a hotly contested National League East race against the New York Mets. The Phillies decided to sign Robertson to help their bullpen in this exact scenario. Hopefully for the Phillies, this decision pays off.
Prior to today’s game against the Texas Rangers, the Phillies recalled RHP David Robertson from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Alan Rangel was optioned to Lehigh Valley.
Robertson will wear No. 30.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 10, 2025
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Phillies Promote Veteran Reliever David Robertson
Immediate Bullpen Impact
The addition of Robertson expands the Phillies’ high-leverage relief group. With the recent acquisition Jhoan Durán being the full-time closer, that makes it easier to work Robertson in. Robertson will not be immediately thrown into save situations with Durán on the team. Kerkering has taken over setup situations recently as well. At least to start, Robertson will be the third right-handed relief pitcher on the high-leverage depth chart. With Rangel being sent down, the Phillies are setting up the bullpen for playoff-style usage. Rangel is a multi-inning pitcher.
Additional Reinforcements Coming
On August 19, the Phillies will be able to get José Alvarado back from suspension. Additionally, Aaron Nola is expected to return from the injured list in the near future. Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic recently reported that the Phillies could go to a six-man rotation when Nola comes back. In this scenario, Taijuan Walker remains in the starting rotation, at least for the time being. There will be two roster decisions that have to be made as well. Lazar will likely be optioned first. The Phillies’ lack of optionable pitching could eventually lead to Jordan Romano or Joe Ross being released.
What It Means For A Top Prospect
Andrew Painter is now unlikely to make his major league debut this season. Across multiple minor league levels (Single-A and Triple-A), Painter has struggled in his first season back after having Tommy John surgery in 2023. This year in the minor leagues, he has a 3-6 record with a 4.75 ERA in 19 starts. Painter also has a 4.77 FIP, a 2.77 K/BB rate, and a 1.356 WHIP this season. At this point, Painter may be best served remaining in the minor leagues for the rest of the season. 2026 will probably be when Painter debuts now.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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