Phillies Pitcher Rushed to Hospital After Collapsing During Bullpen Session

Daniel Robert suffered a cardiac event during his first bullpen session after a previous incident in October 2025.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:40pm

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Phillies relief pitcher Daniel Robert, 31, collapsed on the pitcher's mound at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, during a spring training bullpen session on Sunday, March 22. Robert had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placed near his chest after a previous cardiac event in October 2025, and the device was triggered as he was stepping off the mound. Robert was able to board an ambulance on his own and has since been discharged from the hospital.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing health challenges that some professional athletes face, even after receiving medical treatment. It also raises questions about player safety protocols and the long-term impacts of cardiac events on athletes' careers.

The details

Robert, who made more than 15 appearances for the Phillies in 2025 with a 4.15 ERA, was participating in his first bullpen session since the previous cardiac event when he collapsed. Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who was standing behind Robert, described the incident as "very scary" as Robert went down and then tried to get back up before collapsing again.

  • On October 2025, Robert suffered a previous cardiac event.
  • On March 22, 2026, Robert collapsed during a spring training bullpen session.

The players

Daniel Robert

A 31-year-old relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who suffered a cardiac event during a spring training bullpen session.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who was standing behind Robert when he collapsed and described the incident as "very scary."

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What they’re saying

“It was scary because he went down, he started to get back up again, and he went back down.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

What’s next

The Phillies and MLB will likely conduct a full investigation into the incident and Robert's medical history to determine the best course of action for his health and safety.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the physical toll that professional sports can take on athletes, even those who have previously received medical treatment. It underscores the importance of comprehensive health monitoring and support for players to ensure their well-being both on and off the field.