Phillies Reunite With Familiar Reliever as Spring Training Approaches
With spring training just around the corner, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to add pitching depth to their organization, reinforcing the idea that you can never have too many arms—especially this close to camp.
Only days before pitchers and catchers are set to report, the Phillies have brought back a familiar face, agreeing to a minor league contract with right-handed reliever Daniel Robert, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training, giving Robert an opportunity to compete for a roster spot once again. This marks the second stint with Philadelphia for the 31-year-old, who was originally acquired from the Texas Rangers last May as bullpen depth.
Robert spent much of the 2025 season shuttling between the Phillies and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and a similar role could be in store for him in 2026. Entering the season with one minor league option remaining, he fits the profile of a depth reliever capable of moving between levels as needed.
He made his Phillies debut last May as the extra roster player for a doubleheader, striking out the only batter he faced. Over the course of his time in Philadelphia, Robert appeared in 15 games, logging 13 innings with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. While those numbers were uneven, his strikeout ability was evident. At Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he showed better consistency, posting a 3.38 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP across 18⅔ innings. Despite those results, the Phillies non-tendered him in November, allowing him to enter free agency before ultimately bringing him back.
Robert’s appeal lies in his swing-and-miss potential. His primary weapon is an 84-mph sweeper that produced a strong whiff rate and limited hard contact last season. He pairs that pitch with a mid-to-upper 90s four-seam fastball, a cutter, and a sinker, giving him a varied arsenal capable of missing bats at higher levels.
That said, command has been the biggest obstacle in Robert’s major league opportunities. While he struck out 15 batters in his 13 MLB innings last season—a solid strikeout rate—he also issued 10 walks, highlighting ongoing control concerns. Interestingly, those issues were far less pronounced in Triple-A, where he posted a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio across stops in both the Rangers’ and Phillies’ systems.
Philadelphia’s decision to bring Robert back suggests the organization believes his command issues can be refined. If that happens, his raw stuff could allow him to carve out a useful role in a crowded bullpen picture.
Robert will arrive at spring training facing stiff competition. The Phillies have assembled a deep group of relievers competing for Opening Day spots and in-season opportunities. That mix includes right-handers Jonathan Bowlan, Rule 5 pick Zach McCambley, and Zach Pop, who is out of options. Left-hander Kyle Backhus and righty Chase Shugart, both acquired via trade, are also in the mix, along with several pitchers already on the 40-man roster.
In addition, a large group of non-roster invitees will be pushing for consideration this spring. For Robert, the path isn’t easy—but familiarity with the organization and strikeout upside give him a real chance to stick as camp unfolds.
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