Phil Bickford
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2022Antiques3700054137.12113144113.13
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 21 2024The Yankees selected Bickford's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford inked a minor-league deal with the Yankees back in April and has received a call-up to the big club after holding a 2.93 ERA and 35:12 K:BB across 27.2 frames with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He'll work the middle innings for the Yankees.
Apr 2 2024Bickford signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Tuesday, Conor Foley of YES Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was let go by the Mets just ahead of Opening Day but will stick around the tri-state area as he reports to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bickford made 61 appearances between the Dodgers and Mets last season and had a 4.95 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 76:39 K:BB over 67.1 innings.
Mar 26 2024The Mets released Bickford on Tuesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was designated for assignment over the weekend, and the Mets have now decided to cut him loose. The right-hander had a 4.95 ERA over 67.1 innings between the Dodgers and Mets last season.
Mar 23 2024The Mets designated Bickford for assignment Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford will lose his spot on the Mets' 40-man roster in order to make space for J.D. Martinez, who officially signed with the team Saturday. Bickford gave up three earned runs over 4.2 innings during spring training and turned in a 4.95 ERA through 67.1 frames last season. He could receive attention on the waiver wire, but the 28-year-old reliever would almost certainly be limited to low-leverage work no matter where he ends up.
Feb 6 2024Bickford will make $900,000 in 2024 after winning his arbitration hearing against the Mets on Tuesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford walks away with an extra $85,000 compared to the Mets' offer and a $160,000 salary increase from last year. The 28-year-old righty logged a 4.95 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through 67.1 frames between the Dodgers and Mets in 2023, and he will likely be limited to low-leverage situations to begin the new season.
Aug 22 2023Bickford (3-4) gave up a hit and struck out three over 1.1 scoreless relief innings Monday to pick up the win in a 10-4 victory over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starter David Peterson failed to last five innings, and Bickford took over from the southpaw with the Mets already ahead 7-4 to get credit for the win. It's his first victory in 10 appearances since joining New York at the beginning of August, but his 8.38 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB through 9.2 innings for his new team will keep him in a low-leverage role.
Aug 9 2023Bickford earned a save against the Cubs on Wednesday, issuing one walk and striking out two batters over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Adam Ottavino got the call from the bullpen with the Mets up 4-2 heading into the ninth inning, but he allowed a solo home run followed by a single and a walk before being pulled without retiring any batters. Bickford came to the rescue, striking out a pair and preventing the tying run from crossing the plate. As a result, he earned the second save of his career and first since joining New York in a deadline deal. The Mets' closer role is unsettled with David Robertson recently being dealt to Miami, so it's not out of the question that Bickford could get additional ninth-inning opportunities down the line.
Aug 1 2023The Mets acquired Bickford and Adam Kolarek from the Dodgers on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Los Angeles designated Bickford for assignment over the weekend, but the 28-year-old righty appears set to get another look in the majors with the Mets. Bickford has posted a 5.14 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 48:26 K:BB through 42 innings of relief this season at the major-league level.
Jul 29 2023The Dodgers designated Bickford for assignment on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old will lose his place on Los Angeles' 26-man and 40-man rosters in order to clear space for trade-acquisition Joe Kelly. Bickford had a 2.81 ERA during the 2021 campaign but has struggled over the past two seasons with a 4.89 ERA in 96 appearances. However, he's given up just two earned runs in his past 13 outings and could generate some interest on the waiver wire.
Jun 25 2023Bickford (2-2) earned the win over Houston on Saturday, striking out four batters over two perfect innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was impressive in his return from a back injury, striking out two Astros in each of his two frames and retiring all six batters he faced. The right-hander had been struggling mightily prior to going on the injured list June 3, allowing 12 runs over his prior 7.1 innings. The Dodgers bullpen has been among the worst in the NL this season, so Bickford could get a chance to work up to a high-leverage role if he shows the ability to consistently pitch well.
Jun 23 2023Bickford (back) was activated off the 15-day injured list by the Dodgers on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford missed three weeks while dealing with tightness in his lower back. He'll return to a middle-innings role with the Dodgers with Alex Vesia heading back to Triple-A Oklahoma City in the corresponding transaction.
Jun 3 2023The Dodgers placed Bickford on the 15-day injured list Saturday with lower back tightness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford had a strong start to the season but has since fallen off, allowing 16 earned runs through 12 innings across his last 10 appearances. He'll head to the IL to ensure he's at 100 percent his next time out, while Tayler Scott will come up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Bickford's spot in the bullpen.
May 16 2023Bickford (1-1) nabbed the win against the Twins on Monday, allowing one unearned run on one hit and four walks while striking out four batters over three innings in a 12-inning Dodgers victory. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Los Angeles ran through six pitchers during the first nine frames, and with manager Dave Roberts preferring to avoid calling upon Brusdar Graterol (who pitched each of the previous two days) and Victor Gonzalez (who tossed 1.2 innings Sunday), Bickford was tasked with covering three frames. He ended up tossing a career-high 48 pitches, allowing just an unearned run when the automatic runner crossed the plate in the 10th. Though Bickford walked four (one intentionally) and tossed just 27 of 48 pitches for strikes, he constantly worked his way out of trouble to pick up the win. The right-hander has a 4.58 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 25:9 K:BB across 19.2 innings on the campaign.
Mar 29 2023Bickford will begin the season on the Dodgers' 26-man roster, per Chad Moriyama of Dodgers Digest. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford had mixed results this spring, giving up only five hits over 6.2 innings but also allowing four earned runs and posting a mediocre 3:2 K:BB. However, his roster spot was never in much question since he's out of minor-league options. Bickford will likely take on a middle-relief role for Los Angeles to begin the campaign.
Sep 28 2022Bickford was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder fatigue. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford hasn't pitched since Sept. 23 when he surrendered four runs (three earned) across 1.1 innings, including Albert Pujols' 700th home run. The right-hander will miss the rest of the regular season and will be eligible to be activated during the playoffs, though even if healthy his 4.72 ERA doesn't provide much reason to be included on the postseason roster.
Sep 24 2022Bickford pitched 1.1 innings against St. Louis on Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and no walks while striking out two batters. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford had his name etched into the history books when he became the fourth pitcher even to serve up career homer No. 700 to an opposing batter, as Albert Pujols tagged him for a three-run shot in the fourth inning. That was one of two homers Bickford gave up in the outing -- Lars Nootbaar got to him for a much less memorable two-run shot in the fifth frame. The long ball has been a problem for Bickford this season, as he has now served up 12 in 61 innings of work. The righty reliever entered Friday having yielded just one run over his previous 12.2 innings, so he'll look to move past this hiccup and get back on track as he vies for a spot on the NLDS roster.
Sep 1 2022The Dodgers recalled Bickford from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite being optioned to Triple-A just two days ago, Bickford is eligible to rejoin the big club after the Dodgers placed fellow reliever Brusdar Graterol (elbow) on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Bickford is likely to see most of his work in low-leverage spots during his upcoming stint in the majors.
Aug 30 2022The Dodgers optioned Bickford to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford covered 2.2 innings in total while making relief appearances in three of the past four days, so his demotion is likely the result of the Dodgers wanting to add a fresh arm to the bullpen in advance of Tuesday's game against the Mets. Right-hander Jake Reed was recalled from Triple-A and will replace Bickford in the bullpen.
Aug 14 2022Bickford (2-1) allowed one hit while striking out two batters over 1.1 innings to pick up the win over Kansas City on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starter Andrew Heaney departed early after being hit on the left arm by a line drive, and Los Angeles trotted out five different relievers to finish off the game. Bickford was arguably the most effective of the group, throwing 19 of 25 pitches for strikes and allowing just one hit while punching out two batters. The win was his first decision of any kind since mid-July, as he's been working mostly in lower-leverage situations. Bickford has a 5.05 ERA this season due largely to allowing eight home runs over 41 innings.
Jul 11 2022Bickford (1-1) was credited with the win against the Cubs on Sunday despite giving up three runs on two hits and two walks over one inning. He struck out three batters. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Dodgers starter Julio Urias was shelled in the first inning and removed after the second, and Bickford came in to pitch the third. The right-hander struck out three batters in the frame but also surrendered a three-run homer to David Bote. That long ball put the Dodgers behind 8-3, but Los Angeles stormed back with six runs in the bottom of the frame and held onto the lead for the remainder of the contest to grant Bickford the improbable win. The rough outing came on the heels of one of Bickford's strongest stretches of the campaign -- over his previous six appearances, he had allowed only one run on two hits while posting a 7:0 K:BB and picking up three holds.
Jul 5 2022Bickford earned a hold against Colorado on Monday, pitching a perfect inning during which he struck out one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Dodgers starter Julio Urias allowed just one run over six frames, Bickford took over for the seventh inning. The right-hander began his outing with a strikeout and set the side down in order on 15 pitches. Bickford allowed four runs across two-thirds of an inning in a poor outing against Cincinnati on June 23, but around that blowup he's notched seven scoreless outings during which he's posted an 8:0 K:BB over seven frames.
Jun 8 2022Bickford (0-1) took the loss Tuesday against the White Sox. He allowed two runs on two hits and zero walks while striking out zero over two-thirds of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Mitch White left the game tied 0-0, Bickford entered and gave up two runs on a double by A.J. Pollock. Bickford was pulled after just nine pitches and picked up the loss.
Jun 7 2022Bickford was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was sent down by the Dodgers on May 27, but he'll rejoin the major-league club to provide bullpen depth after Craig Kimbrel was placed on the paternity list Tuesday. Over 17 relief appearances in the majors this year, Bickford has posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 15.2 innings.
May 27 2022Bickford was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has a 3.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB over 15.2 innings for the Dodgers this season, but he'll head to Triple-A with Friday's starter, Ryan Pepiot, being promoted to the big-league club. Bickford also pitched well for Los Angeles last year with a 2.81 ERA, so it's only a matter of time before he's back in the majors.
Apr 19 2022Bickford picked up a hold Monday against Atlanta, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford started the season in the minors after having his spring schedule delayed by arm soreness, and he was called up to the big club Sunday. He was sharp in his first big-league outing of the campaign Monday, throwing 13 of 16 pitches for strikes and allowing only an infield single. The right-hander enjoyed a breakout season with Los Angeles last season and figures to play a significant role in the team's bullpen now that he is back to full health.
Apr 17 2022The Dodgers recalled Bickford from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was unable to win a spot in the Dodgers' Opening Day bullpen after he was delayed in camp by a bout with arm soreness, but after making a few tune-up appearances at Oklahoma City, he's been deemed ready to join the big-league club. According to Eric Stephen of SBNation.com, manager Dave Roberts said that Bickford will be restricted to appearances of no more than an inning initially, but the right-hander is otherwise sufficiently built up and able to pitch on back-to-back days if needed.
Apr 7 2022The Dodgers optioned Bickford to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford missed a good chunk of Cactus League play due to a bout with arm soreness, but he was able to toss a pair of scoreless innings Saturday and Tuesday to erase any concerns about his health. Even so, the missed time looks as though it was enough to cost Bickford a spot in the Dodgers' Opening Day bullpen. Bickford found success a right-handed specialist for the Dodgers late in the 2021 season, so he'll likely rank near the top of the list for a call-up when Los Angeles requires another reliever.
Apr 3 2022Bickford (arm) tossed a perfect inning against San Francisco in a Cactus League contest Saturday. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford entered camp battling arm soreness, so he wasn't able to get into his first spring contest until Saturday. Despite the delayed start, the right-hander pitched as if he was in midseason form, needing only 13 pitches to get three outs -- two of which came via strikeout. Bickford isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day, but he should occupy a key role in the Dodgers' bullpen once he's fully ramped up.
Mar 29 2022Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Bickford isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day after experiencing arm soreness before the start of spring training, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford had a delayed start to camp and has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game, though his spring debut may not be far off given he's already thrown live batting practice. The 26-year-old turned into a reliable bullpen piece for the Dodgers last season with nine holds and a 2.81 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 59:19 K:BB across 51.1 innings, and he should fill a setup role once healthy in 2022.
Sep 14 2021Bickford (4-2) was credited with the win against Arizona on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starter Clayton Kershaw pitched well in his return to the mound, but he was limited to 50 pitches over 4.1 frames. Bickford took over with one out in the fifth and tossed 16 of 23 pitches for strikes over his inning of work, allowing only an infield single to pick up the victory. The right-hander continues to thrive in his first full big-league season. In 50 games with the Dodgers, he has posted a 2.54 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 54:17 K:BB while notching eight holds and one save.
Sep 10 2021Bickford (3-2) suffered the loss against St. Louis on Thursday, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one across one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander's lone mistake was a 1-0 slider that Tyler O'Neill managed to loft just over the left-field wall for a solo homer. That was enough to cost Bickford the loss in a contest with minimal offense during which the teams combined for three total runs. The loss was Bickford's first since mid-July, and he has been solid out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this season, posting a 2.93 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 54:18 K:BB across 46 innings.
Sep 2 2021Bickford (3-1) earned the win Wednesday against Atlanta after retiring the only batter he faced. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford secured his third win of the season but only needed six pitches to do so, as he retired Austin Riley on a groundout for the final out of the eighth inning. The right-hander has been a steady piece in the Dodgers bullpen since being acquired through waivers in early May. He owns a 2.36 ERA across 45 appearances (42 innings) for Los Angeles on the season.
Aug 31 2021Bickford allowed one run on one hit while striking out one batter in one inning Monday to pick up a hold against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander allowed a solo home run to Adam Duvall but otherwise kept Atlanta at bay in the seventh inning. He threw 11 of 13 pitches for strikes and has registered a hold in four of his past seven appearances. Bickford's usage in high-leverage situations has grown over the course of the campaign thanks to his steady 2.74 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 51:16 K:BB through 42.2 innings.
Aug 14 2021Bickford (2-1) worked a perfect 1.1 innings while striking out two, picking up the win in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford got four critical outs in the Dodgers' pursuit of victory Saturday night, including two strikeouts in the bottom of the tenth inning that set the table for Corey Knebel's third save of the season. Bickford has now struck out at least one batter in seven straight outings and hasn't allowed an earned run since July 30.
Jul 26 2021Bickford (1-1) earned the win in relief Sunday against the Rockies after tossing a scoreless inning, allowing one hit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford pitched the eighth inning and while he allowed a single from Brendan Rodgers to begin the frame, he settled down quickly and needed just 11 pitches (eight strikes) to retire the side. This was Bickford's third straight scoreless outing, and he owns a 3.60 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP in 13 appearances (10 innings) this month.
Jul 18 2021Bickford (0-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in two-thirds of an inning Sunday, blowing the save in extra innings against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford came on to protect a 5-4 lead in the 10th inning but gave up a Trevor Story sacrifice fly that tied the game before yielding a walk-off homer to Charlie Blackmon. Bickford was handed the extra-innings save opportunity after closer Kanley Jansen was unable to nail down the lead in the ninth. The 26-year-old Bickford owns a 3.04 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 25 relief outings this season, with all but one of those appearances coming after he was acquired from the Brewers.
Jun 28 2021Bickford struck out two in a perfect inning against the Cubs on Sunday and has held opponents without an earned run in 14 of his 15 appearances since joining Los Angeles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander's 2.70 ERA and 1.14 WHIP on the season look solid enough, but those numbers improve to 1.72 and 1.02, respectively, since Bickford debuted with the Dodgers on May 23. Aside from a rough outing against Texas on June 13 during which he was charged with three earned runs without getting an out, he has appeared nearly impossible to score upon. Since the blowup against the Rangers, Bickford has hurled 8.2 scoreless innings, registering a 12:3 K:BB and giving up only four hits.
Jun 10 2021Bickford earned the save against the Pirates on Thursday by tossing a perfect inning that included one strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't quite the ordinary save for Bickford, who was actually in line to earn a hold after entering the seventh with the Dodgers leading by two. Following his successful inning, a long rain delay turned into a called game, gifting Bickford with his first career save as he became the sixth Dodger to earn a save this year. The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 23 as a replacement for Jimmy Nelson (forearm) and is expected to be primarily used in lower-leverage situations.
May 23 2021The Dodgers recalled Bickford from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of Sunday's game in San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He joined the bullpen as a replacement on the active roster for Jimmy Nelson (forearm), who was moved to the 10-day injured list. Like Nelson, Bickford is a converted starter capable of covering multiple innings in relief, but the Dodgers will likely limit the right-hander's usage mostly to lower-leverage spots.
May 3 2021The Dodgers claimed Bickford off waivers from the Brewers on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old right-hander has been hit hard in his two relief appearances at the MLB level, but the Dodgers evidently saw enough talent and potential in the 2015 first-round pick to clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster. Bickford has two minor-league options remaining, so he could report to Triple-A Oklahoma City rather than joining the Los Angeles bullpen.
Apr 28 2021The Brewers designated Bickford for assignment Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was cast off the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster to clear room for right-hander Zack Godley, whose contract was selected from the alternate training site ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Marlins. A 2015 first-round pick, Bickford has made only two career relief appearances at the big-league level, giving up six earned runs in two innings.
Apr 27 2021Bickford was optioned to the Brewers' alternate training site Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford spent three days on the big-league roster, making one relief appearance. He allowed two runs in one inning of work Monday against Miami. Patrick Weigel was recalled in a corresponding move.
Apr 24 2021Bickford was recalled from the Brewers' alternate training site Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was sent down by Milwaukee in mid-March, but he'll now join the major-league roster after Brett Anderson (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. Bickford will likely serve as a low-leverage reliever for the Brewers going forward.
Mar 16 2021The Brewers optioned Bickford to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford's demotion clears room on the 26-man roster for infielder Travis Shaw, who was informed Tuesday that he would join Milwaukee for Opening Day. A 2015 first-round pick of the Giants, Bickford got the chance to make his big-league debut with Milwaukee last September, giving up four runs in his lone inning of relief work.
Sep 3 2020Bickford was optioned to the Brewers' alternate training site Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was the odd man out with Brandon Woodruff being reinstated from the paternity list Thursday. The righty made his lone big-league appearance Tuesday against the Tigers and did not fare well, allowing four runs on four hits in one inning.
Sep 1 2020Bickford's contract was selected by the Brewers on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bickford was a long shot to make the major-league roster heading into camp as he hasn't pitched above the High-A level. Given his lack of experience against higher-level talent, he'll likely pitch in lower-leverage situations as he prepares for a potential major-league debut.