Phillies Make Roster Moves, Welcoming Bader and Duran

The Philadelphia Phillies have made significant roster adjustments, optioning outfielder Johan Rojas to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and placing reliever Daniel Robert on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to July 30. This move clears space for newly acquired players Harrison Bader and Jhoan Duran.

Rojas, 24, known for his speed and defensive skills, has struggled at the plate this season, posting a .224 batting average with a .280 on-base percentage and a .289 slugging percentage over 71 games. His .569 OPS and .58 OPS+ indicate performance well below the league average.

Meanwhile, Robert, 29, is sidelined due to a blister on his right middle finger. Acquired from the Texas Rangers on May 1, he has recorded a 5.79 ERA in 12 appearances this season. His placement on the injured list marks the first of several expected bullpen changes for the Phillies.

Duran is set to take on the role of closer for the Phillies, a position that has remained unfilled since Rob Thomson became manager. Thomson has typically avoided designating a specific reliever for this role, opting instead for matchups and lineup considerations. However, both Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have confirmed Duran's new position.

Wearing No. 59 with the Phillies, Duran's arrival comes with a humorous twist; Thomson revealed that his wife is less than thrilled about the number change since she has merchandise featuring Duran's number. Thomson himself will don No. 49, a tribute to his friend Ron Guidry.

David Robertson, who signed a one-year contract with the team last month, is expected to join the roster as early as Tuesday.

As for Bader, he will not be in the lineup for tonight's game against the Detroit Tigers. Instead, Max Kepler will take left field against right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty.

"My intention is to go out there and play my brand of baseball. Just be myself," Bader stated on Friday. "I'm here to help this team win. I want a shot at the World Series." His focus on team success reflects a commitment to contributing positively during this playoff race.

Thomson indicated that the current strategy involves a double platoon in center and left field, with Bader and Brandon Marsh sharing center field duties while Kepler and Otto Kemp rotate in left.

Bader will wear No. 2 as he joins the Phillies. The team is also set to honor Jimmy Rollins and Ed Wade by inducting them into their Wall of Fame before Friday's game, encouraging fans to be seated by 6 p.m. for the ceremony.