After missing NLDS, Robertson on Phillies' NLCS roster
SAN DIEGO -- Manager Rob Thomson promised few surprises for the Phillies’ National League Championship Series roster.
He stayed true to his word. The team announced only one change to the 26-man roster on Tuesday afternoon before Game 1 against the Padres at Petco Park, and it was no surprise at all. Right-hander David Robertson replaced righty Nick Nelson in the bullpen.
Robertson did not pitch in the NL Division Series against Atlanta because he strained his right calf jumping in the air to celebrate Bryce Harper’s second-inning home run in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series on Oct. 8 in St. Louis. Robertson received a PRP injection shortly thereafter in Philadelphia. He threw in the bullpen on Monday and also participated in fielding drills during the team’s workout. It went well.
Robertson’s return gives the Phillies another late-inning option in the bullpen.
• Postseason ticket information
“I got outside for his PFP, and when I first got out there, it looked like he was a little ginger on it,” Thomson said. “But as time went on, it got better and better and better. And finally the last play he made was a bunt, the third-base line, and he fielded it nice and easy. Trainers checked him out, checked him out again this morning, said he felt good, so we feel comfortable putting him on the roster.”
Robertson has not pitched since Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Oct. 7, so Thomson said he would prefer to ease him into action in a low-leverage situation.
Here is the 26-man roster:
Pitchers (13): Left-handers José Alvarado, Bailey Falter, Brad Hand and Ranger Suárez; right-handers Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon, Seranthony Domínguez, Zach Eflin, Kyle Gibson, Aaron Nola, David Robertson, Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler
Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs
Infielders (5): Alec Bohm, Rhys Hoskins, Jean Segura, Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott
Outfielders (6): Nick Castellanos, Dalton Guthrie, Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber and Matt Vierling