Signing Dave Robertson Shouldn’t Stop Phillies From Adding More Relievers

The Philadelphia Phillies have taken their first step in reconfiguring the bullpen ahead of the final stretch in the regular season.

On Sunday, Ken Rosenthal was the first to report the team is adding veteran reliever Dave Robertson to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. This signing marks Robertson’s third stint with the Phillies in his career.

While Robertson pitched very well for the Texas Rangers last season (a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances), he can’t be the only addition to the Phillies bullpen. They must add more.

Jordan Romano has been awful this season to say the least. While Jose Alvarado is set to return in the near future, he’s suspended for the playoffs. The back end of the bullpen still needs work even with Robertson.

Dave Dombrowski will certainly have his hands full in terms of figuring out who is the next-best option for the Phillies to pair with the 40-year-old hurler. He will have plenty of closers and high-leverage relievers to choose from with several rumored to be on the market.

The bullpen situation has led the Phillies to be connected to almost every option: David Bednar and Dennis Santana from the Pirates, Emmanuel Clase from the Guardians, Jhoan Duran from the Twins, etc. Name the reliever, and the Phillies have been listed as a possibility to trade for them.

With the National League East being a tight two-horse race, the Phillies can’t risk trotting out the same group of relievers night after night. That’s an easy way to throw away a strong season. Dombrowski can’t take his foot off of the gas yet; one reliever is a necessity, but two would be ideal.

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