The Phillies may be scouting for some more bullpen reinforcement, as they were one of many clubs that attended free agent reliever Trevor Rosenthal’s pitching showcase in Miami on Tuesday.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski declined to comment on whether or not the trip was “interest or due diligence,” but they were one of an estimated 14-18 clubs in attendance based on various reports.
Rosenthal, 32, was one of the top relievers in baseball earlier in his career with the Cardinals, including a dominant 2013-15 stretch where he had 96 saves, 278 strikeouts in 214 1/3 innings, and a 2.65 ERA. However, injuries and control issues have plagues his career since.
The righty lost his closer’s job in mid-2016 and ended up having Tommy John surgery late in 2017, which cost him the entire 2018 season as well. He has been with six different organizations since 2019, but impressed in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, posting a 1.90 ERA and 38 Ks in 28 2/3 innings with the Royals and Padres.
That earned the Scott Boras client a one-year, $11 million deal with the A’s, but a groin strain, thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, and a torn hip labrum combined to keep him off the mound all year.
Tuesday is thought to be Rosenthal’s inly showcase, and it seemed to be vintage Trevor in both good and bad: he was said to be sitting at 96-98 MPH with his fastball, but he had to cut the session short due to a hamstring cramp.
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Given his recent injury history, it may be likely a minor-league deal is his best route, but Rosenthal could be a helpful arm for a number of contenders if he can stay healthy.
The Phillies’ bullpen ranks 17th in MLB with a 3.94 ERA this season and has allowed the fourth-most walks of any relief corps in the game, despite being 24th in innings pitched.
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN