Former Alabama Pitcher Could Return in NLCS

For the first time in over a decade, the Philadelphia Phillies made the Major League Baseball playoffs. The team advanced to the National League Championship Series, but a former Alabama player wasn't a part of it.

David Robertson, who was acquired from the rebuilding Chicago Cubs, suffered a calf injury while celebrating a home run during the team's Wild Card Series win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Robertson was scratched from the ensuing Division Series against the Atlanta Braves as a result.

Robertson said he is feeling better and is optimistic that he will be able to appear in the National League Championship Series against San Diego.

The Phillies took down the Cardinals and the Braves but need to take care of the Padres before advancing to a potential World Series berth. Robertson, one of the most sought-after bullpen arms of the 2022 trade deadline, was and is expected to play an important role in a bullpen which has struggled like few in baseball history in recent seasons.

Philadelphia was lucky enough not to feel the loss of one of its important hurlers- for the time being. With the exit of the Seattle Mariners in the American League, the Phillies are now the hottest team in baseball. Robertson's return means the team can take full advantage.

Should Robertson meet his own hopes to come back at the beginning of the seven-game series, it would be a welcome help to a group which has also been on the wrong end of other injuries this season. He would be going into the lion's den, having to stave off the likes of Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Trent Grisham, Jake Cronenworth and more.

Then again, this is why Philadelphia nabbed Robertson.

The National League Championship Series begins Tuesday with game one taking place in San Diego.