The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into the upcoming season with a roster that looks very familiar after back-to-back playoff appearances that ended earlier than hoped. While continuity can be a strength, there’s growing concern that the team may not be as well-positioned as it was a year ago—especially when it comes to the pitching staff.
Spring Training is right around the corner, and although Philadelphia’s rotation still has the potential to be among the league’s best, it also carries more uncertainty than in recent seasons. MLB.com’s Paul Casella recently pointed out that while the Phillies’ starting group could once again rank near the top of the majors, it also risks becoming a major vulnerability if things go wrong.
That concern is rooted in a series of developments that unfolded over the past year. Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola showed noticeable regression during the season, while ace Zack Wheeler was sidelined after undergoing thoracic outlet decompression surgery. Although the club expects Jesús Luzardo and Cristopher Sánchez to return and provide stability, the rotation took a major hit when longtime starter Ranger Suárez departed in free agency.
Suárez, who had been a reliable fixture in the Phillies’ rotation for years, signed a massive $130 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. His departure not only removed a proven arm from the rotation but also thinned out the club’s overall pitching depth. With several starters either aging or coming off health concerns, Philadelphia entered the offseason in clear need of reinforcement.
In response, the Phillies have opted for a familiar, low-risk move by bringing back a pitcher they already know well. According to ESPN radio contributor Mike Gill, the team has reunited with 31-year-old right-hander Daniel Robert, adding him as a depth option heading into camp. While the signing won’t grab headlines, it provides the organization with additional insurance should the rotation or bullpen need support over the course of the long season.
Robert appeared in 15 games for the Phillies last year, working primarily out of the bullpen. He finished five games and posted a 4.85 ERA, serving as a serviceable option when needed. Prior to that, he spent time with the Texas Rangers in 2024, marking his second season at the major-league level.
While his MLB résumé is limited, Robert brings extensive experience in the minors. He has logged more than 214 innings across six minor-league seasons, including parts of four years at the Triple-A level. That background makes him a valuable depth piece who can be called upon to eat innings if injuries or inconsistency strike the pitching staff again.
Heading into Spring Training, Robert will compete for a bullpen role alongside a crowded field of veteran arms and non-roster invitees. The Phillies appear prepared to lean on a wide assortment of pitchers as they attempt to manage workloads and compensate for the loss of Suárez.
Gill noted that Robert joins a long list of experienced relievers battling for spots, including Kyle Backhus, Jonathan Bowlan, Nolan Hoffman, Seth Johnson, Zach Pop, Chase Shugart, Tim Mayza, Tucker Davidson, and Bryce Wilson. While none are guaranteed a role, the competition reflects Philadelphia’s emphasis on depth as it looks to protect its rotation and remain a postseason contender.
Ultimately, the reunion underscores a familiar Phillies strategy: stockpile experienced arms and hope stability emerges over the course of the season.
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