Veteran reliever David Robertson has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies are recalling veterans to bolster their bullpen as they gear up for the season's final push.

As reported by MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand, the Phillies have agreed with free-agent reliever David Robertson on a contract for the remainder of the season, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the team. The total value of the deal is $16 million and will be paid proportionally based on the remaining games of the season, with finalization subject to a physical examination.

This will be Robertson's third stint with the Phillies. His most recent time with the team was in 2022 when he was acquired from the Chicago Cubs just before the trade deadline. Prior to the 2019 season, Robertson joined the Phillies as a free agent but only made seven appearances with a 5.40 ERA before being sidelined for the season due to elbow surgery.

The 40-year-old Robertson has had a solid performance in the 2024 season, pitching 72 innings for the Texas Rangers with a 3.00 ERA and recording 99 strikeouts. This closer, with 177 career saves, is capable of handling any role in the bullpen. Over his 16-year career, he has amassed a cumulative ERA of 2.91 and ranks 11th in history for relievers with 1,154 strikeouts.

He will provide crucial support for the struggling Phillies bullpen in the 2025 season (with a 4.33 ERA, ranking 23rd in the league). Robertson is expected to form a key relief group alongside Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Tanner Banks. José Alvarado, who is currently suspended, is set to return on August 20 (originally an 80-game suspension). However, if the Phillies make the playoffs, Alvarado will still be ineligible to participate, making the signing of Robertson (and potential future bullpen reinforcements) essential.

Robertson has extensive playoff experience, with a career postseason ERA of 3.04 over 47.1 innings. During his time with the Phillies in 2022, he posted an impressive 1.17 ERA over 7.2 innings in the playoffs, contributing four scoreless innings in the World Series.