Phillies consider reunion with ex-Yankee, Met after Jose Alvarado suspension
The Phillies have at least contemplated a reunion with a veteran in their quest to replace their top reliever.
With Jose Alvarado suspended 80 games Sunday for a positive PED test, which leaves him ineligible for the playoffs, the Phillies reached out to 40-year-old free agent David Robertson, MLB.com reported Monday.
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Talks were not serious, according to the report, but he could provide an immediate option if president of baseball ops Dave Dombrowski doesn't want to wait for the trade market to heat up.
Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado was suspended 80 games on Sunday for a PED violation. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Robertson, who pitched for the Phillies in 2019 and 2022, had a 3.00 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 99 strikeouts in 72 innings last year for the Rangers, showing the right-hander still has good innings left in the tank.
The former Yankees All-Star and one-time Met has a career 2.91 ERA and 177 saves.
During the 2022 playoffs, in which the Phillies reached the World Series, Robertson allowed one run in 7 ⅔ innings with 11 strikeouts.
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Alvarado, a southpaw, had a 2.70 ERA with seven saves and 25 strikeouts in 20 innings this season before his suspension.
David Robertson pitching for the Phillies in the 2022 World Series. Getty Images
His loss is a big blow to a Phillies team whose bullpen was a big weakness to start the year, though some of their relievers have turned things around.
Jordan Romano has not allowed a run over his last eight appearances, during which he has 11 strikeouts against three hits and one walk. He allowed 15 runs (14 earned) over his first 11 appearances.
Orion Kerkering has allowed one run over his seven appearances this month after giving up 10 runs (seven earned) in 13 April outings.
The Phillies (29-18) took over the NL East lead from the Mets (29-19) on Monday with their win over the putrid Rockies combined with the Amazin's loss to the Red Sox.
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