After the last game was postponed due to rain, the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals will now play a split doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park. To prepare for the extra workload, the Phillies have added an additional player to the active roster ahead of the 1:05 p.m. ET first pitch for Game 1.
In accordance with MLB’s rule allowing a 27th player for doubleheaders, the Phillies called up right-hander from Triple-A. Recently acquired from the Texas Rangers in exchange for right-hander Enrique Segura, Robert will wear No. 48 and be available out of the bullpen.
Phillies add Daniel Robert for doubleheader over more familiar names
Daniel Robert got the nod for Wednesday’s doubleheader over some more recognizable bullpen options on the Phillies’ 40-man roster, such as Max Lazar, Devin Sweet, and converted starter Seth Johnson. Lazar made his major league debut with Philadelphia last year, while Sweet pitched in spring training for the club.
Robert, 30, brings intriguing strikeout potential. Drafted by the Rangers in the 21st round in 2017, he’s racked up 243 strikeouts over 184 minor league innings prior to making his MLB debut last season. He pitched in four major league games, allowing two runs in his debut but then delivering three scoreless appearances with six strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings.
Since joining the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Robert has only appeared in three games but has impressed early. Over 3 1/3 innings, he’s yet to allow a run, giving up just two hits and no walks while striking out three and earning a save.
If Robert gets into a game on Wednesday, it could be a valuable opportunity to make a strong impression on the big-league staff. With two minor league options remaining, he’s a realistic candidate to return later in the season when bullpen depth inevitably becomes a need.
For the doubleheader, left-hander Jesús Luzardo is set to start the opener against Cardinals righty Erick Fedde, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. In the nightcap, Aaron Nola will face off with veteran right-hander Sonny Gray at 6:15 p.m. ET.