TORONTO, Canada -- Former All-Region Gold Glove selection Bubby Rossman made his Major League debut today for the Philadelphia Phillies, tossing 1.0 inning in an 8-2 loss to host Toronto this evening.
Rossman tossed his inning in relief and allowed one hit, a 2-run home run to Teoscar Hernandez, after issuing a leadoff walk to Alejandro Kirk. Once he settled in, Rossman retired the final three batters he faced, touching 98.9 mph before fanning Matt Chapman for the second out of the inning.
The former independent-league reliever was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies as a substitute for pitcher Kyle Gibson, one of four Phillies on the restricted list for the team's series in Toronto who did not meet Canada's COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international travelers.
Rossman was made available for Philadelphia's second half of a two-game set against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre tonight.
A La Habra Heights native, the 30-year-old Rossman had last pitched in the minor leagues in 2016 before signing with the Phillies this past offseason. He's spent the season in Double-A Reading, relishing the opportunity.
"This is my eighth year of professional baseball," the upbeat Rossman said at Fightin Phils media day at the start of the season. "I've played all over the U.S. and internationally. Now, this is my first year back in affiliated in five years, so I'm happy to be back here."
A 22nd-round pick in 2014 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rossman was released from the organization after the 2016 season. He bounced around outside Major League Baseball-affiliated play after that, pitching in Mexico, for Team Israel in international competition in Europe and for several indy-ball leagues.
Rossman learned a lot about himself along the journey — dealing with failure and success, maintaining a routine, keeping his body healthy. He also developed a high-velocity fastball that helped earn him a spot with the Phillies organization.
Getting that second chance in affiliated baseball after so long was a dream come true for Rossman, presenting him with a realistic path to a potential call-up.
"That's my main goal," he said, "to be here and to make the big leagues. But you have to be with an affiliate. You can't just play indy [Independent] ball and go straight to the big leagues."
In his return to the minors after the long hiatus, Rossman has found success. He's made 27 appearances for Reading, posting a 3.32 ERA in 40 2/3 innings. With the Phillies in need of a replacement, they decided to reward Rossman's versatility and ability to throw multiple innings.
The promotion may end up only lasting one day as players will come off the restricted list when the Phillies return stateside, but Rossman has nonetheless reached the ultimate milestone on his winding road back to affiliated ball.
"We are so proud of Bubby and his resiliency," begins CSUDH baseball head coach
Tyler Wright. "He's had an amazing journey to this point. He has overcome injuries and battled through independent baseball when many guys wouldn't have stuck with it.
"We wish him the best and hope to see his journey continue in Major League Baseball."
(Courtesy of Phillies Nation)
