Phillies activate David Robertson as post-trade deadline bullpen takes shape

New York Times

10-08-2025

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Phillies called up reliever David Robertson on Sunday, returning Alan Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley as the corresponding move.
Robertson, 40, joins the Phillies' bullpen after spending a little more than two weeks at Triple A. The righty pitched 5 1/3 innings for the IronPigs, striking out six and walking one as he worked his way up to back-to-back outings on Aug. 6 and 7. Sunday officially begins a third reunion for Robertson and the Phillies (2019, 2022), highlighted by Robertson's Game 1 save in the 2022 World Series.
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The veteran reliever signed with the Phillies on July 20 for around $5.5 million on a pro-rated, one-year, $16 million contract, a major-league source told The Athletic. He last appeared in the majors in September 2024 with the Texas Rangers, logging a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts and 27 walks across 72 innings. Robertson, who is self-represented, declined his end of a mutual option with Texas after last season and accepted a $1.5 million buyout so as to test free agency. He negotiated with teams in the fall before choosing not to sign and instead spend time with his family.
'But, I mean, the league hasn't told me yet that I'm not good enough to play anymore,' Robertson said last month. 'And I haven't been told to go home. So, if I've got the opportunity to step between the lines and give everything I've got, I'm going to fulfill that itch and try to win some ball games.'
Robertson, who ranks second among active pitchers in career appearances (861), agreed to take a minor-league assignment as part of the deal with the Phillies. He had worked out at home before his Triple-A assignment, reaching a readiness he said was similar to the middle of spring training. But the time in Triple A allowed him to face live hitters, increase velocity and hone his command.
He told The Athletic last week that he felt like he was ready to break camp. Now, he will do so in Texas on Sunday.
(Photo of David Robertson in 2022: Elsa / Getty Images)
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