Robertson completed his minor league rehab assignment and returned to the Philadelphia Phillies' major league roster.

The Phillies have added another arm to their bullpen today—thanks to David Robertson's tennis skills (or lack thereof).

This year marks the first time since 2006—Robertson's final year at the University of Alabama—that he hasn't appeared on a professional baseball roster at the start of the season. Therefore, in addition to spending more time with his family, playing golf, and managing his farm, Robertson also took up tennis to stay active and fill some competitive gaps.

“As time went on, I started to realize that I couldn't win a single tennis match, and I thought, ‘Well, I better go back and try baseball again,’” Robertson said. “I was craving to win at something again.”

The Phillies brought in the 40-year-old veteran specifically to achieve that: to win.

To upgrade their bullpen in pursuit of a World Series championship, the Phillies signed Robertson to a prorated $16 million contract on July 21, extending through the end of the season. The team sent him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for a three-week rehab stint before recalling him to join the active roster for today’s series finale against the Texas Rangers.

“I’m excited to be back,” Robertson said. “This is the only level I’ve known for the last 20 years, so I’m ready to get back on the field and see if I can help this team.”

Robertson is the latest addition to a bullpen that has recently shown significant improvement.

Shortly after signing Robertson for his third stint with the team, the Phillies traded for closer Jhoan Duran from the Twins. He successfully converted his first three save opportunities in a row, marking the start of his career with the Phillies.

Key relievers have also made great strides. Matt Strahm has a 1.98 ERA since early July. Orion Kerkering has a 1.67 ERA since early May. Tanner Banks has a 1.77 ERA over his last 21 appearances.

José Alvarado will be eligible to rejoin the bullpen on August 19, although he won't be able to pitch in the playoffs.

“The bullpen has really transformed in a short amount of time,” said manager Rob Thomson. “I think we’ve added some really quality arms, and now we have a lot of options.”

Robertson added, “From what I’ve seen of the games recently, the bullpen has been outstanding. Those guys are doing a great job.”

The Phillies hope Robertson can become another key option in high-leverage situations during the season's stretch run, although Thomson mentioned that he initially hopes to ease Robertson back into some lower-pressure situations to help him readjust.

“I just need to find a spot where I can fit in, then work to find my role in the bullpen and figure out how to help us win,” Robertson said. “I really don’t care when I pitch; I’ve always said that. So whatever is needed, whenever they want me to come in, I’ll give it my all.”

Robertson hopes that his third stint with the Phillies brings him good fortune.

His first time with the Phillies was when he signed a two-year deal before the 2019 season, but he only made seven appearances with a 5.40 ERA before undergoing right elbow surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season. He rejoined the team at the 2022 trade deadline and helped them win the National League Championship.

In the 2022 playoffs, Robertson posted a 1.17 ERA over 7.2 innings, including four scoreless innings in the World Series. His career postseason ERA stands at 3.04 over a total of 47.1 innings.

“He’s a calming presence,” Thomson said. “He’s been through it all before—the World Series, the playoff runs. He’s a great example for the younger players to lean on and learn from.”

Coincidentally, since Robertson's last tenure with the team, the bullpen has seen the most turnover among the Phillies' roster. While Alvarado is the only holdover from the 2022 bullpen, much of the regular batting lineup and nearly the entire starting rotation are familiar faces.

“It feels like I never left. It’s great to come back here and know more than half of my teammates,” Robertson said. “This place feels like home. We had a great run in ’22, then I disappeared for a few years, and now I’m back. I’m really happy to be back in Philadelphia.”