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Ex-Yankees Reliever Linked to Phillies After Jose Alvarado News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 20, 2025 12:40 AM ET

Despite a solid 2024 campaign with the Texas Rangers in which he posted a 3.00 ERA and pitched in 68 games, veteran reliever David Robertson remains without a home.

The 40-year-old right-hander, who pitched for the Yankees from 2008 to 2014, has kept up to form, with the only blemishes on his career being his rough 2019 and 2021 campaigns with the Phillies and Rays.

Following the news that lefty reliever Jose Alvarado would be suspended for 80 games and miss the playoffs if eligible, the Phillies have been left scrambling for options out of the 'pen.

A new report from MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand said that the Phillies reached out to Robertson about a potential return, though no serious talks took place.

Aside from 2019, Robertson also pitched for the Phillies in 2022, making 22 appearances with a 2.70 ERA and 1.37 WHIP.

One National League executive wasn't shy about saying that Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski will likely be aggressive in his search for outside options out of the bullpen.

"Dave has a strong track record of using his resources to solve his near-term needs,” the executive said. “One would expect that pattern to continue.”

If the Phillies decide to look outside of their own system to supplement the innings that Alvarado will no longer be able to fill, Robertson is easily the best free agent reliever available.

Robertson was one of the key relievers in the Phillies' 2022 run to the World Series, and is well-beloved in Philadelphia.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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