Phillies place Mathieson on DL, DFA Robertson, add Carrillo

As the Phillies continue to search for the final playoff bullpen pieces, they made a series of pitching moves on Thursday that could have a minor impact on who makes that 25 man playoff roster.

First, Scott Mathieson, who could be a nice bullpen piece at some point down the road, was placed on the disabled list with a muscle strain in his back. If Mathieson's season is over, it ends with an ugly stat line of 1.2 innings pitched and an ERA of 10.80.

Another player with an ugly pitching line was moved off the roster as Nate Robertson was designated for assignment by the Phillies. While there was a remote possibility that the veteran pitcher could have turned his career around and been a contributor for the Phillies, it was clear he didn't have what it takes after giving up 6 runs in one inning against the Marlins. Given how bad his season was this year, Robertson's career might be over.

Finally, the Phillies also added a pitcher today, claiming righty Cesar Carrillo off waivers from the Padres. Carrillo is a 26 year old who pitched in 3 games for the Padres last season. Seeing as how he had an ERA of 13.06 in those three games, Carrillo is likely a longterm project who has little chance of having an impact in the majors. He was a solid prospect at one point in his career, so the Phillies probably look at him as a low-risk late season pickup.

Phillies sign pitcher Nate Robertson

The Phillies made a somewhat interesting move today, signing lefty pitcher Nate Robertson to a minor league contract. Robertson, a longtime Tiger who has spent time with the Marlins and Cardinals this season, will report to Lehigh Valley and is expected to join the rotation right away. If all goes well, Robertson could also join the Phillies in a bullpen role (LOOGY?) when rosters expand in September.

While it's hard to get too excited about Robertson and 5.47 ERA in the majors this season, he is a veteran lefty pitcher that could contribute a few solid innings for the Phillies down the stretch. Given his experience with the Tigers in their run to the World Series, Robertson could at the very least be a decent clubhouse guy to have around. If he also somehow turned himself into a usable option out of the bullpen, the Phillies could have made a real nice signing. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that, though.