David Robertson took the loss on Sunday for surrendering a deciding two-run blast to Mark Canha in the ninth inning, but his behavior moments prior showcased why he's the type of reliever coveted by teams aiming at the postseason.
The Phillies placed closer Seranthony Dominguez on the 15-day IL prior to Sunday's contest with right triceps tendinitis. The club also announced the loss of reliever Corey Knebel for the remainder of the season with a torn capsule in his right shoulder. This left the bullpen in a thin spot on Sunday, and Robertson did his best to shoulder the load.
Robertson phoned the dugout in the eighth inning and told interim manager Rob Thomson he wanted to pitch the final inning. The veteran recorded a six-out save on Saturday night and was told by Thomson on Sunday morning that he wouldn't be used in the finale.
"It's frustrating," Robertson said in the clubhouse afterward. "I asked for the ball. It's my second stint here. I want to come through for the guys, it didn't work out for me today."
The loss dropped the Phillies to the third NL wild-card spot, a half-game behind San Diego and 1 1/2 games up on Milwaukee.
Harper Rehabbing
Bryce Harper will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday or Wednesday. The All-Star outfielder has been out of commission since late June when a fastball broke his left thumb.
Harper has been eyeing a return in early September, so this move aligns with his plan.
“I’m going to be smart with it,” Harper said Sunday. “I’m going to be very smart with it and come back when I see fit and when my hand is feeling better and I can help this team every day – and not just play two days, one day off, play two days, one day off. I’m going to come back at full strength playing.”
Next Up
The Phillies welcome the Reds to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game set. The Reds come to Philadelphia having won two-of-three this past weekend over the Pirates. The Phils took two-of-three from Cincinnati last week.
Monday: RHP Noah Syndergaard (7-8, 3.95) vs. Luis Cessa (3-1, 5.50)
Tuesday: TBD vs. LHP Nick Lodolo (3-4, 4.12)
Wednesday: TBD vs. Graham Ashcraft (5-3, 3.97)
Monday's Lineup
Schwarber DH
Hoskins 3
Bohm 5
Realmuto 2
Castellanos 9
Stott 6
Segura 4
Maton 7
Zimmer 8
Syndergaard RHP
