New York Yankees activate closer David Robertson from 15-day disabled list
David Robertson had converted two saves before hitting the DL in early April. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
When the New York Yankees placed their closer, David Robertson, on the 15-day disabled list back on April 7th, it was expected to be a short stay. On Tuesday, that expectation became reality as Robertson was officially activated prior to Tuesday's game against Boston.
Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York quoted Robertson as expecting to be back in 15 days:
"It kinda cost me a little command but I grinded through it," Robertson said. "But I think I can be back in 15 days."
Prior to the injury, the 29-year-old right-hander appeared in three games and pitched three scoreless innings that netted him two saves. For his career, Robertson has amassed a 2.74 ERA and struck out 11.6 per nine innings. Last season, his last as Mariano Rivera's setup man, Robertson threw 66 1/3 innings, striking out 77 against 18 walks, allowing 15 earned runs.
With Robertson on the shelf, the Yankees turned to setup man Shawn Kelley in the ninth inning, and the right-hander converted four out of five save chances while allowing only two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings of work. Kelley will presumably return to his eighth-inning responsibilities in the immediate future, but if Robertson struggles or suffers an injury setback, he would be the next option in line to close games.
