One of the few top remaining relievers on the market has been traded. In an attempt to bolster their bullpen the Philadelphia Phillies (55-47) have traded for closer David Robertson from the Chicago Cubs.
David Robertson is in his 14th season in the MLB and still doing good work. However, the past few years have been quite the journey for him. Between 2019 and 2021 Robertson only pitched a total of 18.2 innings with the Phillies and Rays. He also missed the entire 2020 season due to Tommy John Surgery.
Despite these issues, he was able to become a notable force in his first season with the struggling Chicago Cubs. In his 2022 campaign, he has pitched 40.1 innings where he put up 14 saves with 51 strikeouts and a 2.23 ERA. His 14 saves are the most for him since he recorded 14 in 2017.
The Phillies already have a very strong closer in Corey Knebel so it will be interesting to see how they utilize him out of the pen. They are very much in the race to see which three teams can finish in the Wild Card spots in the National League. Getting a late-inning reliever should prove important in the final weeks of the season.
In return, the Cubs got pitcher Ben Brown, the Phillies’ No. 26 prospect. The Cubs are once again very much in the midst of a rebuild. Adding a young pitcher to their farm system could prove helpful in the next few seasons.
The Phillies’ main issues this season stem from struggles within their bullpen. Adding Robertson who has proved himself a reliable force out of the bullpen adds a lot. Whatever his role could be it will be tough to beat the Phillies late with the duo of Knebel and now Robertson.
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