Scary scenes are coming out of the Phillies spring training camp. Relief pitcher Daniel Robert just went down during a bullpen session. And it’s not related to any play injury.

Seeing how he grabbed his chest before falling, it looks like his previous cardiovascular issue returned to haunt him again. The last reported scene doesn’t suggest a positive outcome for the Phillies’ nation.

“Reliever Daniel Robert just went down during his first bullpen of the spring after grabbing his chest,” MLB insider Ty Daubert shared via X.

“He suffered a cardiovascular event last year. He’s sitting up and conscious but surrounded by medical personnel.”

The 31-year-old collapsed in the same way last October after a bullpen session when the Phillies staff sprang into action. He became unconscious, requiring CPR and a defibrillator shock from the Phillies’ training staff. It was a heart-stopping moment for the Phillies fans as Robert spent three days in the hospital. He had an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) implanted in his chest.

Reportedly, the ICD triggered this time, and Phillies trainers stepped onto the field, trying to stabilize Robert.

Last October, Robert was treated for months.

Doctors concluded that he was not suffering from any heart attack symptoms but “an unknown cardiovascular event.” While he was under daily medication for his blood pressure, doctors found nothing serious. After months of conditioning, Robert was back with the Phillies.

“Robert fell from his kneeling position to his back, where he remained for several minutes. When emergency personnel arrived, Robert was able to walk up a set of stairs to the vehicles. He appeared to depart the facility in a paramedic vehicle,” MLB insider Marcus Hayes shared.

Even though he was conscious and able to walk, considering Robert’s previous history of cardiovascular events, and just as the regular season is about to start, Phillies fans are in panic mode.

As a non-roster invitee, the entire organizational depth may take a hit if he’s gone for too long.

The Phillies may now rely on depth from Lehigh Valley (Triple-A), including Jean Cabrera or Alan Rangel, to fill bullpen gaps. Meanwhile, Orion Kerkering is expected to return early in the season, recovered from his hamstring strain, to take a high-leverage bullpen role. Taijuan Walker could also move back to a “long man”/middle reliever role once Zack Wheeler returns from his own injury.

Yet, Robert’s presence was supposed to provide bullpen depth for the Philadelphia Phillies. Acquiring him for the Texas Rangers last season, he appeared in 15 games for the Phillies, posting a 4.15 ERA and a strong 25.4% strikeout rate. His veteran experience, bond with the team, and, of course, his resilience could be an inspiration to the whole camp.

“I owe everything to them. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to play this season, but if I was able to, I wanted it to be here because of the way the Phillies supported me. All the tests show I’m healthy,” Robert had shared with NBC before his return.

While almost 15 Phils were applauding Robert’s first bullpen session of the spring, the tension was palpable when he collapsed.

“I was standing right behind him. It was scary because he went down, he started to get back up again, and he went back down,” shared manager Rob Thomson.

The Phillies nation, too, is going through the same feeling.

Phillies fans are praying for Robert’s recovery

“Bummed for Robert but glad he’s ok. He’s worked hard, and this likely sets him back again,” one fan commented. It took months for Robert to recover from his collapse back in October. Till February, he was not medically cleared to appear on the field. He only started playing simulated innings in March.

After the October incident, Robert worked hard to get fit for the diamond again. He went through genetic testing and rigorous stress testing to get back in shape. Now, fans fear that because Robert collapsed again, it might take another few months for him to get back to the Phillies.

“I hope he’s okay. I read he had an ICD put in, hopefully it was just that giving him a shock,” another added. The fans hope that the prolonged use of the cardioverter-defibrillator doesn’t cause long-term health issues. It can sometimes lead to psychological distress, including anxiety or depression, along with physical issues like inappropriate shocks. The Phillies’ fanbase is hoping that it was just one of those shocks and nothing serious.

“Terrible to hear, man, praying for him,” another fan wrote. “Wish him the best. Scary indeed,” prayed one.

All eyes would now be on what the doctors would say about this renewed concern. Per Matt Gelb’s reports, Robert was taken to a local hospital.

“It is time to retire, bud,” another user added for the 31-year-old reliever. Even his last season was limited. With a career ERA of 3.86, fans fear that if he tries to push even harder, things may only go downhill from here. Yet, we have had players who continued their careers despite heart conditions.

Kenley Jansen, who managed recurring atrial fibrillation, and Eduardo Rodriguez returned after myocarditis and scored 143 SOs in 2025.

All things considered, this might be a little early to decide on Robert’s retirement!