Phillies’ Robertson Eyeing Mid-August Return

Clearwater, Florida – Philadelphia Phillies pitcher David Robertson played catch and threw a short flat ground bullpen at the team’s minor league complex in Clearwater, FL earlier this week. Robertson has been on the Phillies injured list since April 15 when he was diagnosed with a flexor strain on his right elbow.

Prior to that, the 2011 All-Star had appeared in only seven games and thrown 6.2 innings. He has been working out and getting ready for a return to the mound in minor league rehab games later this week

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Robertson told me in an interview following his workout at the Phillies facility. “I’ve had some good days and some bad days. I’m going to get on the mound and face some hitters tomorrow. Hopefully get through about 20-25 pitches, see how my elbow holds up.” 

Robertson had been in both the setup man and closer role and was playing a major piece in the Phillies pitching staff. Entering the weekend, Philadelphia is one game out of the Wild Card spot in spite of their 13 blown saves by Phillies pitchers, which is tied for seventh most in the major leagues.

“Obviously I’d like to be back there as soon as possible but it’s just not that easy,” Robinson noted. “I don’t want to come back too early and not be effective. I need a little bit more time to get my strength back, my control back and my velocity back.”

Robertson summed up the situation saying, “I feel as though when I let it loose it’s a good speed but I don’t feel comfortable facing big league hitters right now, but hopefully in the next few weeks I’ll be ready.”

“That environment is very tough, its very stressful,” said the 34-year old Robertson who has pitched in a total of 30 postseason games including the 2008 World Series when he won it with the Yankees.

“There’s a lot of things going on and the game happens at such a fast pace,” Robertson tells me. 

The one-time MLB leader in earned run average will spend another few days throwing at the Phillies complex before he begins an official rehab assignment. A quick return for Robertson could give the Phillies the edge they need to achieve there first playoff birth since 2011 and potentially more.