The Tampa Bay Rays have essentially remade their bullpen during the 2021 season. Through a series of trades and roster moves, only two relievers that were a part of the Opening Day roster remain on the team. Yet, even with that ongoing conveyor belt of relievers, the Rays remain atop the AL East.
On Monday, the Rays added another potential option to their bullpen. They signed David Robertson, who will head to Triple-A to get himself into game shape.
#Rays have signed reliever David Robertson to a major-league deal. Will go to AAA to get into routine.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 16, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays adding another relief option
Robertson was supposed to be a part of the answer for the Phillies’ bullpen woes, signing a two year contract with a team option for 2021. Instead, he pitched in a total of seven games over those two seasons, missing most of that time due to injury. Unsurprisingly, Robertson was unable to generate any interest this offseason.
That does not mean that he was just sitting on his couch watching the hours pass by. He was part of the Team USA Olympic roster, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks over his three innings, striking out four. Those numbers certainly were not impressive and would not seem to be enough to generate a major league deal.
However, Robertson did show that he was healthy. The life was back in his fastball, and he appeared as though he could be a useful piece in a bullpen if given a chance. The Rays, with their ongoing bullpen questions, certainly had nothing to lose.
Robertson is the type of low risk signing that could work wonders for the Rays as well. As Diego Castillo was traded to the Mariners, the Rays do need to find an option for the ninth inning. If Robertson can show that he is able to still be an asset at the major league level, it may not be a surprise to see him in that ninth inning mix by the end of the year.
The Tampa Bay Rays are taking a chance with David Robertson. Considering their bullpen issues this season, he is worth a look.