Phils sign LHP Nate Robertson to minor league deal

The soon-to-be-33-year-old southpaw started 18 games for the Marlins before he was released July 27, going 6-8 with a 5.47 ERA (75 ERA+) and 61/40 K/BB ratio in 100 1-3 innings. In nine seasons, seven of them coming with the Detroit Tigers, he's 57-77 with a 4.97 ERA (89 ERA+), with 187 starts and 34 appearances in the bullpen. In 2006, he pitched in the Division, Championship and World Series in a career year in which he went 13-13 with a 3.84 ERA. After that, he went steadily downhill until he was reduced to a second lefty role in the Tiger's bullpen last season. He signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals on Aug. 2 that included an opt out if he wasn't promoted to the Majors by Aug. 23. In his brief time with Memphis (AAA - Cardinals), he posted a 9.45 ERA. The announcement of Robertson's signing came during Tuesday night's broadcast. He will be assigned to Lehigh Valley for now, but could join the Phillies when rosters expand next week.

Comments

[charlie hirschfeld]

If he gets his game brain back he is a work horse in eating up innings. With Moyer an uncertinty for next year and the lack of left handers in the sytem the Phillies had nothing to lose by signing him They don't have a long man lefty relief pitcher on the roster now. They could have used him in that marathon game last evening. If they bring him up after Sept 1st it will help in a blowout game and save the bullpen somewhat. A cheap gamble.