David Robertson Injury Situation Makes Phillies' Need for Craig Kimbrel That Much Clearer
By Seth Carlson
After several weeks away from the action, the latest injury update on David Robertson wasn't close to what any Phillies fan was hopinh to hear.
After multiple reports surrounding the Phillies' biggest pitching acquisition of the offseason seeking a second opinion with orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, it appears to be time for Philadelphia to seek options to relieve the depleted relievers.
Of course, D-Rob got the hardest sort of update to deal with: not Tommy John at the moment, but several weeks without any activity, followed by the possibility of the nuclear option being necessary regardless. With so much uncertainty floating around at the moment, the Phils would be foolish not to reinforce their corps.
David Robertson saw Dr. James Andrews today. He told Robertson to not throw for three weeks to allow his flexor strain should heal on its own. Phillies don’t have a timetable for his return, but he’s out for at least another month.
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) May 13, 2019
Robertson is set to miss substantial time on top of the time he has already spent on the 10-Day IL. He had a 5.40 ERA in seven appearances before hitting the shelf initially, not living up to the hype, while even admitting his poor performance.
With relievers Edubray Ramos and Tommy Hunter also out with injuries, the Phillies bullpen is becoming increasingly thin in depth, likely requiring personnel moves to patch up the new holes.
Much like with the Yankees and Dallas Keuchel, an obvious solution is out there: free agent reliever Craig Kimbrel.
Kimbrel, who starred for last year's 2018 Red Sox World Series team, is widely considered one of the best closers in recent MLB history, with 333 career saves on his mantle, the most of any active closer in the game.
Perhaps the logjam in the free agencies of both Kimbrel and Keuchel can be traced to the fact that their qualifying offers will attach them to draft picks through June. But with even that deadline fast approaching, the Phils have no excuse not to act in earnest soon.
Re: the unsigned Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel -- 197 days have passed since the end of last year's World Series, and the start of the free agency period. If the two wait another 21 days, for the start of the amateur draft, they'll no longer be tied to draft-pick compensation.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 13, 2019
Kimbrel has big game experience and plenty of MLB pedigree while also being a right-handed reliever with absolute power stuff, making him an ideal candidate to take Robertson's place in the Phillies bullpen.
Even when Robertson returns, ideally, Kimbrel can slot into another high leverage role if he shows up at full strength, giving the Phillies an established, late inning tandem of playoff-caliber Houdinis.
If D-Rob's out for a while, Kimbrel's the man for the job. Even if he's not, Kimbrel's the perfect reinforcement. This latest news only underscores the need.