Phillies could target All-Star reliever to fix bullpen struggles

The Philadelphia Phillies have the best record in the National League. At 31-18, they have a 1 1/2-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East.

The team is performing well and is clearly a threat to win a World Series title. However, there is one area of the roster that is plaguing the club: the bullpen.

The bullpen was already struggling this season, but it recently took a major hit when left-hander Jose Alvarado was issued an 80-game suspension for PED use.

Now, the Phillies need an arm to bolster the pen. Andrew Wright of Newsweek listed three options, one of which was former Phillie David Robertson, who remains unsigned.

"The former Phillies relief pitcher could be on his way back to Philadelphia and it is safe to assume he would be a welcome addition to the bullpen. He appeared in just 29 games across 1 1/2 seasons with the team and pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 30 innings pitched," Wright wrote.

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Robertson pitched with the Phillies in 2019 and posted a 5.40 ERA in just seven appearances before injuries derailed him. He returned to Philadelphia for their World Series run in 2022.

That year, he posted a 2.70 ERA in 22 appearances with the Phils.

The 40-year-old right-hander was an All-Star with the New York Yankees back in 2011 and was also a key member of their 2009 World Series championship team.

Robertson is capable of closing, so he could easily step into Alvarado's role, especially given that Alvarado is now ineligible for the postseason.

It will be interesting to see if the Phillies pursue a reunion with the veteran righty.

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