David Robertson suffers setback

The Phillies will likely have to keep waiting for one of their expected bullpen reinforcements.

David Robertson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, suffered a setback in his rehab according to Phillies manager Joe Girardi.

It was never a sure thing for Robertson to come back from the injury this season, and now appears even less likely. Girardi did not provide any further details, but addressed how it could impact Robertson’s return.

“Well anytime you hit a bump, with such little time left, it’s possible”, Girardi said to the collective media, including Phillies Nation‘s Tim Kelly, when asked if the setback could keep Robertson from returning this season.

One of the biggest stories surrounding the Phillies in 2020 has been the struggles the bullpen has faced. Their 7.52 ERA is the worst in the majors this season, and the team has blown multiple-run leads in seven of its last eight losses.

Last week, the Phillies made moves to bolster the bullpen, acquiring David Hale from the New York Yankees and Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman from the Boston Red Sox. Hale has yet to pitch for the team, and Workman has struggled so far in his time as a Phillie.

The Phillies signed Robertson to a two-year, $21 million contract during the offseason prior to 2019, expecting him to be a consistent contributor in the back end of the bullpen. The 35-year-old was very reliable during his time with the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, throwing at least 60 innings in every season between 2010 and 2018.

But after struggling to begin the season, Robertson went on the Injured List with elbow soreness. Soon after, he got Tommy John surgery, missing the rest of the 2019 season and beginning 2020 still rehabbing.

The Phillies have a $12 million option on Robertson for 2021, but considering his age and that he is just coming back from this injury, it would be unlikely for them to pick it up.

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