Report: Phillies Show Interest in David Robertson After Alvarado Ban

The Philadelphia Phillies struggling bullpen took a major hit on Sunday when lefty Jose Alvarado was hit with an 80 game suspension for PEDs.

"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear the news of Jose’s violation," the team said in a Press Release on Sunday.

Without Alvarado, the team likely needs to look for at least another bullpen arm, maybe two, to add more depth.

According to veteran MLB scribe Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Phillies were looking for bullpen help even before losing Alvarado.

Could David Robertson Rejoin the Phillies?

A source said the Phillies reached out to free agent David Robertson, easily the best reliever left on the open market. No serious talks took place, the source said, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Phillies considered a reunion with the 40-year-old, who has had two previous stints in Philadelphia.

 

Robertson's Career in Review

David Robertson, 40, had two separate stints with the Phillies and last pitched with Texas in 2024. He posted a solid 3.00 ERA over 68 appearances and a 99 strikeouts in 72 innings for the Rangers last season.

He is currently a free agent, having not signed with any big league team during the offseason.

During his two seasons with Philadelphia,  Robertson appeared in just 29 games with an ERA of 3.30 and 36 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched.

He appeared in four World Series games for the Phillies in 2022 without allowing a run, earning the save in Game 1 against Houston.

Before the 2019 season, the Phillies gave Robertson a two-year, $23 million contract, but injuries limited him to just 6.2 innings and a 5.40 ERA.

The Phillies brought him back for a second stint in 2022 trading pitching prospect Ben Brown to the Chicago Cubs for Robertson.

This time adding Robertson would give the Phillies a veteran right-handed arm, but would hardly be enough to replace Alvarado, who was having an All-Star season. In 20 games this season he had seven saves, a 2.70 ERA, 25 strikeouts and just four walks in 20 innings pitched.

The Phillies current closing options without Alvarado include, Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering.

Robertson has 177 career saves and would give them another late inning option.