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Veteran reliever David Robertson not too long ago expressed his intent to pitch throughout the 2023 season, stating that he feels “looks like subsequent season can be so much simpler and I’ll be extra ready,” as reported by The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham.
After pitching to a 2.76 ERA in 626 2/3 innings (with 137 saves) from 2009-2018, Robertson joined the Phillies forward of the 2019 season on a two-year, $23MM cope with a $12MM membership possibility for the 2021 season ($2MM buyout). Nonetheless, after solely seven appearances, Robertson underwent season-ending Tommy John surgical procedure and suffered a setback throughout his rehab, forcing him to overlook your complete 2020 season. His membership possibility was subsequently declined by the Phillies.
After lacking the prior two seasons, the righty pivoted to the Olympics and helped Workforce USA qualify for the Tokyo Video games. Within the break earlier than the video games, the righty signed with the Excessive Level Rockers of the Atlantic League and pitched a handful of innings. Returning residence with a silver medal, Robertson joined the Rays on a significant league contract and reported to Triple-A Durham earlier than becoming a member of the key league workforce in September. With the Rays, Robertson pitched 12 innings, permitting 6 earned runs, and hanging out 16 of the 50 batters he confronted. He was chosen to the Rays’ post-season roster, pitching 4 scoreless innings within the ALDS in opposition to the Purple Sox.
After the 2021 season, Robertson signed a one-year, $3.5MM contract with the Cubs, with as much as $1.5MM in incentives. In Chicago, Robertson recaptured his 2000-2018 kind, pitching to a 2.23 ERA with 14 saves in 40 1/3 innings, with a strong 30.9% strikeout charge and 47.8% groundball charge — albeit with a excessive 11.5% stroll charge.
Robertson’s sturdy efficiency on a rebuilding workforce made him a high commerce goal on the deadline, and on August 2nd he was shipped to Philadelphia in trade for pitching prospect Ben Brown. Robertson continued his sturdy work with the Phillies, pitching to a 2.70 ERA in 23 1/3 innings with a 30.3% strikeout charge. Nonetheless, Robertson’s stroll charge elevated to a excessive 16.2% and his groundball charge fell to 43.4%.
After lacking the NLDS attributable to a damage calf suffered celebrating Bryce Harper’s residence run, Robertson returned to the Phillies’ bullpen, pitching 2 2/3 innings within the NLCS, permitting one run, and pitching a scoreless inning (thus far) within the World Collection. Robertson is a free agent when the 2022 season concludes, and joins a deep reliever market together with Aroldis Chapman, Edwin Diaz, Kenley Jansen, and teammate Corey Knebel.
