NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: Lou Trivino #56 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out Reese McGuire #3 of the Boston Red Sox in the eighth inning during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, September 22, 2022 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
After acquiring a veteran reliever who might be best known for his time with the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies have already seen him make a major, if unusual, change.
Lou Trivino, who closed out seven games for the Yankees in 2022, has spent the past several seasons trying to recapture the form that once made him a dependable late-inning option in the majors. Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, the former Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher has bounced between organizations searching for another opportunity.
Now his latest stop has come with the Phillies and with a formal moniker change as well.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Veteran Pitcher Opts For Formal Name Change Amid Comeback Bid
The Phillies’ updated roster drew attention this week after it reflected a sudden change to the veteran reliever’s name.
“Lou Trivino is now going by Lou Trivino III, according to the Phillies official roster,” Phillies Tailgate noted on X.
While the adjustment is relatively minor, it quickly caught the attention of fans familiar with the veteran right-hander from his years with the Oakland Athletics, Yankees, Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles.
And the name update came during what might be the final comeback attempt for the 34-year-old, who has continued working his way back after injuries dramatically altered the trajectory of his career.
Philadelphia Phillies Reliever Continues Career Comeback After New York Yankees Injury Setback
Trivino’s latest opportunity with Philadelphia came after another whirlwind stretch earlier this season.
“He signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in the offseason,” Darragh McDonald noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “He opted out of that deal on May 1st and then landed a big league deal with the Orioles, though he allowed six earned runs in three innings and was designated for assignment after less than a week on the roster. He cleared waivers, elected free agency and re-signed with the Phillies on a new minor league deal.”
Despite his recent struggles, Trivino brings considerable major league experience to any organization willing to give him another chance.
“Trivino is 24-27 with a 3.87 ERA in 229 relief appearances and three starts over six seasons with Oakland (2018-22), the Yankees (2022), and San Francisco, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets (2025),” the Associated Press noted. “His career was interrupted by Tommy John surgery in May 2023.”
Though he briefly served as a part-time closer for the Yankees, that surgery seemed to derail his career. But now, with a new name and a new chance with the Phillies, perhaps a reinvention is ahead.