Phillies bring back Hunter, place Robertson on IL

Righty reliever Tommy Hunter agreed to a one-year deal with the Phillies on Wednesday. To accommodate Hunter on the 40-man roster, right-hander David Robertson was placed on the 60-day injured list.

Robertson is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is unlikely to return until late in the season, if he returns this season at all.

Hunter, 33, pitched only 5 1/3 innings for Philadelphia last season because of an elbow injury. He had surgery in July to repair a torn flexor tendon and has been throwing since December, starting to throw off a mound again a couple weeks ago.

If he continues to progress, there is a chance he could be ready by Opening Day but that remains to be seen at this point.

Hunter had a 3.23 ERA and 3.36 FIP in 126 appearances in 2017 (with the Rays) and ‘18 (with the Phillies). He spoke on the final day of the ‘19 season about his desire to return to Philadelphia and the front office continued to think highly of him, which made a reunion seem likely. The Phillies believe if Hunter returns to the form he had before his injury, he will provide a significant boost to a bullpen in need of reliable arms.