Latest Update on David Robertson is Bad News for the Phillies
By Seth Carlson
Philadelphia Phillies RHP David Robertson signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the team during the offseason. Expected to be the team's closer, it hasn't been the smoothest of transactions thus far for either side. Robertson was placed on the IL in April, and the latest update on the veteran reliever isn't encouraging.
According to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, the 34-year-old saw orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Monday, and will not throw a baseball for another three weeks.
David Robertson saw orthopedist James Andrews today and Robertson will not throw for another three weeks. Rest recommended. Also, Edubray Ramos is going on the IL with shoulder stiffness. Austin Davis is back.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) May 13, 2019
Robertson recorded a 5.40 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and 6 strikeouts across 6.2 innings in 7 relief appearances before hitting the injured list.
Also notable is Edubray Ramos' injury, as he is set to hit the shelf with shoulder stiffness. Between Ramos, Tommy Hunter and Robertson's injuries, the Phillies bullpen depth is certainly going to be tested over the next few weeks.
Even without David Robertson's pedigree in the closer's role for the near immediate future, the Phillies bullpen still has a combined 3.89 ERA in the early season, good for the eighth best in baseball.
David Robertson saw Dr. James Andrews today. He told Robertson to not throw for three weeks to allow his flexor strain should heal on its own. Phillies don’t have a timetable for his return, but he’s out for at least another month.
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) May 13, 2019
The consolation in all of this is that it appears Robertson's injury will heal itself. If all goes as planned, the rest and rehab could result in him potentially being back after the All-Star break just in time to make an impact down the second half stretch for the Phillies, in what should be a tightly contested NL East race.