Phillies sign David Robertson to two-year, $23 million deal - MLB

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed reliever David Robertson to a two-year, $23 million deal. The specifics break down to $10 million in 2019, $11 million in 2020, and a $12 million club option for 2021, with a $2 million buyout. That guarantees him $23 million but, obviously, it could be a three-year, $33 million deal if the option is picked up.

Robertson, one of the most consistent relievers in the game, struck out 91 batters in 69.2 innings last season while setting up for the New York Yankees. He’s topped 60 innings in nine straight years and has never struck out fewer than 10.4 batters per nine innings. A one-time closer for both New York and the White Sox, Robertson instantly becomes the Phillies ace reliever.

And the Yankees, Red Sox and other teams looking to upgrade their bullpens instantly become more desperate. And Craig Kimbrel and Zach Britton instantly gain more leverage.

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HOUSTON – Yordan Alvarez hit a go-ahead three-run double in the seventh inning, and the Houston Astros rallied past the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on Friday night for their first win of the season.

Kyle Tucker hit a two-run homer in the sixth and made a spectacular catch at the wall in the seventh to rob Andrew Benintendi of extra bases and keep the World Series champion Astros within one run.

Eloy Jimenez hit two RBI doubles for the White Sox, both off Astros starter Cristian Javier.

Jimenez’s first double scored Tim Anderson in the first inning. In the sixth, Javier gave up three straight doubles to Benintendi, Jimenez and Joan Moncada to make it 3-0 and end his night.

White Sox reliever Kendall Graveman (0-1) loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh on two walks and a single. Jake Diekman came on and gave up Alvarez’s double to deep left-center, a drive that just eluded Luis Robert Jr. and bounced off the wall, clearing the bases.

Four Astros relievers each worked one scoreless inning. Seth Martinez (1-0) got the win and Rafael Montero handled the ninth for his first save.

Chicago starter Lance Lynn allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings.

ALL IN A DAY’S REST

White Sox INF Andrew Vaughn, who hit a go-ahead two-run double in Thursday’s season-opening win, did not play. Vaughn experienced lower back issues during spring training. Gavin Sheets started at first base.

HOMETOWN HIT

Astros outfielder Corey Yulks, a Houston-area native, singled in his first at-bat and finished 1-for-4 in his major league debut.

PUT A RING ON IT

Astros owner Jim Crane and his wife, Whitney, presented the team and staff with their 2022 World Series rings in a pregame ceremony.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Astros: LHP Blake Taylor, who is on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow strain, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land.

UP NEXT

The four-game season-opening series continues Saturday when Houston’s Jose Urquidy faces Chicago’s Lucas Giolito.