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Phillies Add Robertson in NL East Playoff Push \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Philadelphia Phillies signed veteran reliever David Robertson to a prorated $15.7 million one-year deal. Robertson will begin at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and aims to rejoin the bullpen for a postseason push. The Phillies and Mets are neck-and-neck in the NL East with 60+ games left.

Quick Looks

• Robertson signed a one-year, $15.7M deal prorated to $6M for the rest of the season.
• He’ll begin with Triple-A Lehigh Valley before rejoining the Phillies bullpen.
• The signing adds $6.6M in luxury tax, totaling a $12.6M cost.
• Phillies aim to surpass the Mets in a tight NL East race.
• Robertson helped Philly reach the 2022 World Series with a 1.17 postseason ERA.
• The veteran reliever also won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009.
• Robertson declined a $7M option with Texas, became a free agent.
• Manager Rob Thomson praised his seamless return and team-first mentality.
• Robertson owns a 2.91 career ERA with 177 saves and 1,154 strikeouts.
• The Phillies now have one of MLB’s most experienced bullpens heading into October.

Deep Look

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a fierce postseason battle—and they’re bringing back a familiar face to help get them there. On Monday, the club signed veteran right-hander David Robertson to a $15.7 million one-year contractprorated to $6 million over the remaining 71 days of the regular season.

Robertson, 40, will begin with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and is expected to make four or five minor league appearances before joining the major league bullpen. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed the move, calling it part of a broader effort to solidify the late-game pitching staff as the team pushes for its second straight NL East title.

The move comes with financial implications. In addition to his salary, the deal adds $6.6 million in luxury tax—bringing the total investment to $12.6 million. Philadelphia’s projected luxury tax payroll already stood at $306 million, fourth in MLB behind the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees. Robertson’s arrival adds both financial weight and veteran depth.

“We watched him work out twice recently,” Dombrowski said, noting that the team was impressed by his sharpness during a Saturday bullpen session. Robertson confirmed he had received interest from multiple teams dating back to winter and spring but said he waited until summer to build up his readiness.

“I fielded enough offers that I had to make a decision quickly to come back to Philly,” Robertson said ahead of Monday’s game against the Red Sox. “It worked out. This place feels like home to me.”

Manager Rob Thomson echoed those sentiments, describing Robertson’s return as seamless. “He came in today, and it was like he hadn’t missed any time,” Thomson said. “That’s just who he is. He’s a really good person, a really good teammate.”

Robertson brings with him one of the most impressive résumés among active relievers. A 2009 World Series champion with the Yankees and a 2011 All-Starhe pitched a key role in the Phillies’ 2022 World Series runrecording a 1.17 ERA in eight postseason appearances. That performance helped reestablish his value as a go-to high-leverage arm.

Last season, pitching for the Texas RangersRobertson posted a 3-4 record with a 3.00 ERA across 68 games—just two shy of his career high. He notched two saves and opted to decline a $7 million mutual option, instead accepting a $1.5 million buyout to test free agency.

Over his 14-year career, Robertson has logged a 2.91 ERA, 177 savesand 1,154 strikeoutsranking 11th all-time among relievers in strikeouts. The former University of Alabama standout was drafted by the Yankees in 2016and has since pitched for the White Sox, Cubs, Rays, Marlins, Mets, Rangersand of course, the Phillies—with whom he also played in 2019.

The Phillies are currently in a tight division battle with the New York Metswith both teams eyeing the NL East crown as the regular season heads into its final 60+ games. Robertson’s addition is designed to shore up one of the team’s few remaining weaknesses: bullpen depth in late-inning, high-pressure situations.

With a rotation that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nolaand Cristopher Sánchezthe Phillies are primed to make another deep playoff push—provided the bullpen can hold leads. Robertson, with his postseason pedigree and veteran savvy, is seen as a key piece to bridging games from the starters to closer José Alvarado.

Philadelphia’s front office has made it clear that it’s all-in on winning now. Their fourth-highest payroll and willingness to absorb more luxury tax liability is a reflection of that win-now urgency. Robertson, a proven arm with October experience, fits perfectly into that plan.

While Robertson is expected to rejoin the big league club by mid-to-late August, the Phillies will monitor his performance in Triple-A and pace his return with postseason readiness in mind. He’ll likely slot into a setup or co-closer role, depending on team needs and his workload.

“I’m hoping I can come in, bridge the gap late in games, and we can win some ball games and get back into the postseason,” Robertson said. “This is a good squad and a great opportunity for me.”

With his return, the Phillies not only get a strong bullpen arm but also reunite with a clubhouse leader—one who knows the city, the fans, and the stakes of postseason baseball in Philadelphia.

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