Phillies make trade for Robertson

*Photo from Marquee Sports Network*

   Guess what Philadelphia, he's back, and he's better than ever. The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired RHP David Robertson from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Ben Brown, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

   The Phillies have needed bullpen help for the past few years, and most of the time what they've done hasn't worked out. Hopefully, acquiring Robertson works out for the Phillies, as he was the Cubs closer prior to the trade. There's also some familiarity here, as Robertson pitched for the Phillies in the 2019 season, not lasting long before suffering a season ending injury in April of 2019.

   Robertson, who has played in the majors for 14 seasons, has suited up for 5 teams in his career. He has played for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, the Phillies, and the Cubs. Robertson has made one All Star team in his career, coming with the Yankees in 2011. He also won a World Series title with the Yankees in 2009.

   So far for the Cubs this season, Robertson has experienced a renaissance of sorts. Robertson has a 3-0 record with a 2.23 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, striking out 51 hitters and notching 14 saves. He has 40 1/3 innings pitched for the Cubs in 36 relief appearances this season.

   In Robertson's 14 year career, he has a 56-33 record with a 2.89 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He has thrown 716 innings, picking up 151 saves in one start and 708 relief appearances. In the playoffs, Robertson has a 5-0 record with a 3.11 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, striking out 42 hitters over 37 2/3 innings, totaling 33 relief appearances.

   The only piece coming back to the Cubs is Brown, the 26th overall prospect in the Phillies system, according to MLB Pipeline. For High A Jersey Shore this season, Brown has a 3-5 record with a 3.08 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, throwing 73 innings in 15 starts and one relief appearance.

   Since being drafted by the Phillies in the 2017 MLB Draft, Brown has a career 8-9 record. To go along with that, he has a 3.27 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, firing 173 1/3 innings while striking out 217 hitters, making 30 starts and 19 relief appearances.

   The trade of Robertson is the second reliever the Cubs have dealt, also trading Scott Effross to the New York Yankees. Robertson joins Edmundo Sosa and Brandon Marsh as new additions by the Phillies.