After five years away from affiliated baseball all together, right-hander Bubby Rossman finally cracked the major leagues on Wednesday.
The former independent-league reliever was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies as a substitute for pitcher Kyle Gibson, one of four Phillies on the restricted list for the team’s series in Toronto who did not meet Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international travelers. Additionally, infielder Will Toffey was added to the 40-man roster and activated, with right-hander Michael Kelly being optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Both Rossman and Toffey will be available for Philadelphia’s second half of a two-game set against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre on Wednesday night.
Rossman, 30, had last pitched in the minor leagues in 2016 before signing with the Phillies this past offseason. He’s spent the season in Double-A Reading, relishing the opportunity.
“This is my eighth year of professional baseball,” the upbeat Rossman said at Fightin Phils media day at the start of the season. “I’ve played all over the U.S. and internationally. Now, this is my first year back in affiliated in five years, so I’m happy to be back here.”
A 22nd-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Division II Cal State-Dominguez Hills, Rossman was released from the organization after the 2016 season. He bounced around outside Major League Baseball-affiliated play after that, pitching in Mexico, for Team Israel in international competition in Europe and for several indy-ball leagues.
Rossman learned a lot about himself along the journey — dealing with failure and success, maintaining a routine, keeping his body healthy. He also developed a high-velocity fastball that helped earn him a spot with the Phillies organization.
Getting that second chance in affiliated baseball after so long was a dream come true for Rossman, presenting him with a realistic path to a potential call-up.
“That’s my main goal,” he said, “to be here and to make the big leagues. But you have to be with an affiliate. You can’t just play indy ball and go straight to the big leagues.”
In his return to the minors after the long hiatus, Rossman has found success. He’s made 27 appearances for Reading, posting a 3.32 ERA in 40 2/3 innings. With the Phillies in need of a replacement, they decided to reward Rossman’s versatility and ability to throw multiple innings.
The promotion may end up only lasting one day as players will come off the restricted list when the Phillies return stateside, but Rossman has nonetheless reached the ultimate milestone on his winding road back to affiliated ball.
An indy baller just a year ago, Bubby Rossman is now officially a major leaguer.
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