Daniel Robertson (infielder)

{{for|the Major League Baseball outfielder|Daniel Robertson (outfielder)}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Daniel Robertson

|image = Daniel Robertson (shortstop).jpg

|caption = Robertson with the Tampa Bay Rays in September 2017

|width =

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Infielder

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|3|22}}

|birth_place = Upland, California, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = April 4

|debutyear = 2017

|debutteam = Tampa Bay Rays

|statyear = 2021 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .227

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 18

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 78

|awards =

|teams =

Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2019}})
San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2020}})
Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2021}})

}}

Daniel Ray Robertson (born March 22, 1994) is an American professional baseball infielder who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017 and has also played for the San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers.

Early life

Robertson attended Upland High School in Upland, California. He batted .380 as a sophomore in 2010, with two home runs, 11 doubles, 33 runs batted in (RBIs) and 24 runs.{{cite web|url=https://ucla_ftp.sidearmsports.com/old_site/pdf/m-basebl/2011-12/misc_non_event/12_BSB_Guide_FULL.pdf |title=UCLA 2012 Baseball Media Guide |website= ucla_ftp.sidearmsports.com|access-date=2020-10-02}} He batted .545 as a junior in 2011, with six home runs, eight doubles, 22 RBIs, and 21 runs, and was named first-team All-Baseline League. As a senior, he hit .560 with six home runs and 41 RBIs.{{cite web|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-06-22/sports/sns-mct-upland-shortstops-big-season-made-him-a-no.-1-20120622_1_los-osos-pitch-upland-coach-mike-alonso|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231036/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-06-22/sports/sns-mct-upland-shortstops-big-season-made-him-a-no.-1-20120622_1_los-osos-pitch-upland-coach-mike-alonso|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2014|title=Upland shortstop's big season made him a No. 1 pick in amateur draft|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=September 20, 2014}} He was the Baseline League MVP and the All-California Interscholastic Federation-SS.{{Cite web|url=https://www.presstelegram.com/sports/20120621/upland-shortstops-big-season-made-him-a-no-1-pick-in-amateur-draft|title=Upland shortstop's big season made him a No. 1 pick in amateur draft|date=June 21, 2012}} He committed to play college baseball at UCLA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=268547|title=Daniel Robertson Class of 2012 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA|website=Perfect Game}}

Professional career

=Oakland Athletics=

Robertson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round with the 34th overall selection of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120604&content_id=32768792&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak|title=Comp picks yield value in prep ranks for A's|work=Oakland Athletics|access-date=September 20, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153334/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120604&content_id=32768792&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sbsun.com/sports/20120612/robertson-ready-for-athletics|title=Robertson ready for Athletics|date=June 12, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2014}} He made his professional debut that season for the Arizona League Athletics and also played for the Vermont Lake Monsters that season. He finished the year at .241/.330/.400 with five home runs and 30 RBIs over 55 games.

In 2013, he played for the Beloit Snappers.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-45852236|title=First Round Pick Daniel Robertson Joins Snappers|work=Beloit Snappers|access-date=September 20, 2014}} In 101 games, Robertson hit .277/.353/.401 with nine home runs and 46 RBIs. He was named an MILB.Com Organization All-Star.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/daniel-robertson-621002|title=Daniel Robertson Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats|website=Minor League Baseball}}

Robertson played for the Stockton Ports in 2014{{cite web|url=http://www.dailybulletin.com/sports/20140419/upland-high-product-daniel-robertson-returns-home-to-play-vs-66ers|title=Upland High product Daniel Robertson returns home to play vs. 66ers|date=April 19, 2014|access-date=September 20, 2014}} where he batted .310/.402/.471 with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs in 132 games, as he led the California League in hits (170) and doubles (37), was second in the league in runs (110) and hit by pitch (16), and was sixth in walks (72).{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?id=2a5fd2d9&type=bat|title=2014 California League Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He was named an MILB.Com Organization All-Star.

He played in the AFL for Mesa in 2014, batting .301/.398/.356, and was named a Rising Star, All-Prospect Team, and Player of the Week on October 28.

=Tampa Bay Rays (2017–2019)=

On January 10, 2015, Robertson was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays with John Jaso and Boog Powell in exchange for Yunel Escobar and Ben Zobrist.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12145824/ben-zobrist-yunel-escobar-traded-oakland-athletics-tampa-bay-rays|title=A's get Zobrist, Escobar in trade with Rays|date=January 10, 2015|website=ESPN.com}} He attended major league spring training in 2015. In 2015 he played for the Montgomery Biscuits where he batted .274/.363/.415 with four home runs and 41 RBIs in 78 games, and was named an MILB.Com Organization All-Star.

In 2016 he played with the Durham Bulls where he hit .259/.358/.356 with five home runs and 43 RBIs in 118 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/daniel-robertson-621002|title=Daniel Robertson Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=June 25, 2018}} The Rays added Robertson to their 40-man roster after the 2016 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/rays-trade-motter-and-shaffer-to-mariners-for-3-minor-leaguers/2303413/|title=Rays trade Motter and Shaffer to Mariners, add 8 prospects to roster|website=Tampa Bay Times}}

==2017 season==

Robertson made the Rays' opening day roster out of spring training. Rays manager Kevin Cash said that he was chosen due to his defensive capabilities, specifically at shortstop.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-daniel-robertson-makes-final-roster/|title=Rays' Daniel Robertson: Makes final roster|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=2017-06-03|language=en}} On June 27, Robertson was optioned down to the Triple-A Durham Bulls to make a place for newly acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, but his option was voided and he was placed on the 10-Day DL with neck spasms.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-daniel-robertson-option-voided-sent-to-dl/|title=Rays' Daniel Robertson: Option voided, sent to DL|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=2017-07-27|language=en}} He was slashing .224/.314/.365 with 5 home runs in 58 games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.draysbay.com/2017/6/27/15881600/tampa-bay-rays-activate-adeiny-hechavarria-option-daniel-robertson|title=Rays activate Hechavarria, option Robertson|work=DRaysBay|access-date=2017-07-27}} On August 4, Robertson was activated off the DL{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/for-starters-rays-vs-brewers-with-daniel-robertson-at-ss/2332709|title=For starters: Rays vs. Brewers, with Daniel Robertson at SS|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en-us|access-date=2017-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806052355/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/for-starters-rays-vs-brewers-with-daniel-robertson-at-ss/2332709|archive-date=August 6, 2017|url-status=dead}} He finished the year hitting .206/.308/.326 in 76 games, playing predominantly at second base (41 games), but also seeing 24 games at shortstop, 17 games at third base, and one game in left field.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roberda10.shtml|title=Daniel Robertson Stats {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-18}}

==2018 season==

Robertson started as the opening day second basemen with the plan to platoon with Brad Miller and Joey Wendle throughout the season. On April 22, he recorded his first career four-hit game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-daniel-robertson-perfect-at-plate-sunday/|title=Rays' Daniel Robertson: Perfect at plate Sunday|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=2018-04-23|language=en}} On June 25, Robertson made his first career start in left field in order for him and Joey Wendle to receive more playing time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-daniel-robertson-picks-up-first-start-in-outfield/|title=Rays' Daniel Robertson: Picks up first start in outfield|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=2018-08-01|language=en}} On July 9, he hit his first career walk-off, a single, against Blaine Hardy of the Detroit Tigers in a 10–9 victory.{{Cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/baseball/os-sp-ap-tampa-bay-rays-down-detroit-tigers-in-10-20180709-story.html|title=Rays stay hot at home as Daniel Robertson's walk-off single in the 10th beats Tigers|last=Didtler|first=Mark|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|access-date=2018-07-22|language=en-US}} On July 22, Robertson hit another walk-off, this time a grand slam, in a 6–4 win off of Kyle Barraclough of the Miami Marlins. This was the first walk-off grand slam in franchise history.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor|title=Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) {{!}} Twitter|website=twitter.com|language=en|access-date=2018-07-22}} Ninety minutes after the end of the game, Robertson made a surprise visit to a hospitalized teen. Robertson was moved by the experience, stating “Just to see the excitement and joy on his face when I walked in that room, it’s honestly something I’ll never forget."{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/07/23/this-is-like-babe-ruth-stuff-after-walk-off-grand-slam-rays-player-makes-surprise-hospital-visit/|title='This is like Babe Ruth stuff': After walk-off grand slam, Rays player makes surprise hospital visit|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=2018-08-01}}

On August 3, Robertson slid hard into second base, jamming his thumb in the process. He was forced to exit the game and undergo a series of MRIs, which determined that he would need to go on the disabled list with a sprained left thumb.{{Cite web|url=https://www.draysbay.com/platform/amp/2018/8/3/17650534/daniel-robertson-disabled-list-sprained-thumb|title=Daniel Robertson headed to Disabled List with sprained thumb|website=www.draysbay.com|date=August 3, 2018 |language=en|access-date=2018-08-04}} It was announced that Robertson would need surgery and effectively end his season.

He finished the season hitting .262/.382/.415 with nine home runs and a 2.6 fWAR, the highest for his team at the time of his injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/teams/rays|title=Tampa Bay Rays Stats {{!}} FanGraphs Baseball|website=www.fangraphs.com|access-date=2018-08-08}}{{Cite news|url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2018/08/05/daniel-robertson-likely-out-for-season/|title=Daniel Robertson likely out for season|date=2018-08-05|work=HardballTalk|access-date=2018-08-08|language=en-US}} Robertson was hit by pitches 13 times, fifth in the American League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roberda10.shtml|title=Daniel Robertson Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} Robertson once played 39 games at second base, 29 at shortstop, 19 at third base, four in left field, and one game each at first base and as a pitcher.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=14145&position=2B/SS|title=Daniel Robertson » Statistics » Batting {{!}} FanGraphs Baseball|access-date=2018-08-08}}

==2019 season==

Robertson began the season on the Opening day roster, but was optioned on June 15 after struggling offensively. He was recalled later on but was put on the disabled list on June 22 with a knee injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2019/06/22/rays-infielder-daniel-robertson-heads-to-il-with-knee-injury/|title=Rays infielder Daniel Robertson heads to IL with knee injury|website=Tampa Bay Times}} He ended the season batting .213/.312/.295 in 74 games. He played 43 games at third base, 26 at second base, 16 at shortstop, and pitched in one game.

==2020 season==

On August 18, 2020, Robertson was designated for assignment by the Rays.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/phillies-trade-edgar-garcia-rays.html|title = Rays Acquire Edgar Garcia; Designate Daniel Robertson| date=August 18, 2020 }}

=San Francisco Giants (2020)=

On August 23, 2020, Robertson was traded by the Rays to the San Francisco Giants, in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/giants-acquire-daniel-roberston.html|title=Giants Acquire Daniel Roberston, Designate Hunter Pence|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=August 23, 2020 }} In 13 games with San Francisco, he slashed .333/.417/.333. Robertson was non-tendered by the Giants on December 2, 2020.

=Milwaukee Brewers (2021)=

On January 12, 2021, Robertson signed a one-year, $900K contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlb.com/news/daniel-robertson-deal-with-brewers| title = Daniel Robertson deal with Brewers| website = MLB.com}} On July 7, Robertson was designated for assignment after hitting .164/.303/.274 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI in 50 games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/brewers-designate-daniel-robertson-for-assignment.html|title=Brewers Designate Daniel Robertson for Assignment|date=July 7, 2021 }} He was outrighted to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds on July 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/brewers-acquire-kyle-lobstein-from-nationals.html|first=Anthony|last=Franco|title=Brewers Acquire Kyle Lobstein From Nationals|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=July 13, 2021 }}

Robertson became a free agent following the season.

=Minnesota Twins=

On February 7, 2022, Robertson signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/02/twins-sign-daniel-robertson-to-minor-league-contract.html|first=Mark|last=Polishuk|title=Twins Sign Daniel Robertson To Minor League Contract|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=February 6, 2022 }} He appeared in 17 games for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, posting a slash of .183/.279/.267 with one home run and 10 RBI.

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On June 20, 2022, the Twins traded Robertson to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations.{{Cite web |title=Phillies pick up infielder with MLB experience in trade with Twins |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-trade-daniel-robertson-twins |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=RSN |date=June 20, 2022 |language=en}} Robertson played in 41 contests for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he hit .220/.311/.404 with five home runs and 16 RBI. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=December 30, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}

=Tampa Bay Rays (second stint)=

On February 10, 2023, Robertson signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization.{{Cite web|title=Rays' Daniel Robertson: Signs with Rays as NRI|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-daniel-robertson-signs-with-rays-as-nri/amp/|access-date=2023-02-12|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Robertson was released by the Rays on March 29.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-03-29 | title=Transactions }}

=Atlanta Braves=

On April 24, 2023, Robertson signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/04/braves-daniel-robertson-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html | title=Braves, Daniel Robertson Agree to Minor League Deal | date=April 24, 2023 }} In 54 games for the Triple–A Gwinnett Stripers, he batted .220/.337/.316 with 3 home runs and 20 RBI. On September 6, Robertson was released by the Braves organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-09-06 | title=Transactions }}

Personal life

Robertson and his three brothers were raised in Upland, California, by his parents, Don and Julie. In 2013, despite not being a smoker, Don died from lung cancer. Robertson has a tattoo on his upper right arm in tribute to his father.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/believe-you-belong--a-rays-rookie-follows-the-faith-of-his-father/2319303/|title=Rays rookie Daniel Robertson follows the faith of his father|date=2017-04-05|access-date=2018-08-01}} Robertson also has a charity called the Daniel Robertson Family Foundation. The foundation raises money to offset medical bills for cancer patients.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/01/19/rays-infielder-daniel-robertson-lends-a-hand-to-help-families-dealing-with-cancer/|title=Rays infielder Daniel Robertson lends a hand to help families dealing with cancer|date=2018-01-19|access-date=2018-08-01}}

Robertson grew up a Los Angeles Angels fan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/05/19/rays-tales-how-california-dreamin-became-reality/|title=Rays Tales: How California dreamin' became reality|website=Tampa Bay Times}}