The Philadelphia Phillies are grappling with a major roster issue after reliever Jose Alvarado was handed an 80-game suspension last week for violating Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The suspension not only rules him out for the rest of the regular season but also leaves him ineligible for any potential playoff appearances. This setback has exacerbated an already problematic bullpen that had been in desperate need of reinforcements before the trade deadline.
With Alvarado’s suspension, the Phillies are now forced to explore external options to fill the gap left in their bullpen. One potential move could be re-signing veteran reliever David Robertson, whom the team has already reached out to prior to the suspension announcement. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, while no serious discussions took place, the Phillies are open to the idea of bringing back Robertson, who previously had two stints with the team. At 40 years old, Robertson remains one of the top free-agent relievers available. However, even if they successfully add him to the roster, the Phillies would likely need to pursue another bullpen arm. The team has been struggling to close out games, and Robertson alone may not be enough to propel them into a deep postseason run.
One potential avenue for the Phillies could be utilizing one of their young pitchers, such as Mick Abel, to entice other teams in a trade. Tim Kelly of On Pattison suggests that the Phillies might consider using Abel’s impressive performance on Sunday as a trade chip to bolster their bullpen. Abel, a former first-round draft pick, has shown marked improvement this season after a tough year in Triple-A. With Aaron Nola on the injured list, the Phillies called on Abel for a spot start, and he delivered with six scoreless innings and nine strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kelly argues that the timing of Abel’s performance could make him an attractive asset in trade discussions, particularly as starting pitchers are often the most valuable commodities on the market.
Although Abel’s stock has risen after his strong outing, the Phillies’ rotation remains deep, and they may see greater value in moving him for a reliever who can contribute immediately to the bullpen. Given the urgency of the current season and the desire to compete for a playoff spot, the Phillies could be willing to part with Abel, especially if his start against the Pirates turns out to be the highlight of his time with the team.
For the Phillies, the bullpen has been an area of concern all season. Even before the Alvarado suspension, the team struggled to close out games, making it clear that they needed more reliable arms to make a serious playoff push. Now, with Alvarado’s absence adding even more pressure, the team will likely be active in the trade market to acquire bullpen help.
Adding someone like Robertson, if they can reach a deal, would provide a temporary solution, but the Phillies would still need to strengthen their bullpen further. With the trade deadline looming, the team is exploring all available options, and their willingness to trade prospects like Abel signals the high stakes they face in their quest for a postseason berth.
In summary, the suspension of Jose Alvarado has left a significant hole in the Phillies’ bullpen, forcing the team to consider external options, including a potential reunion with David Robertson. However, even if they add Robertson, it’s clear that additional bullpen help will be necessary for a deep playoff run. The team may also look to trade young pitchers like Mick Abel, whose recent standout performance could make him a valuable asset in trade discussions as the Phillies aim to strengthen their bullpen for a win-now season. With the trade deadline approaching, the Phillies are weighing their options carefully, hoping to make moves that will give them the best chance to succeed in the postseason.
Leave a Reply