Evan

Phillips

Phillips blossomed into one of the most effective high-leverage relievers in baseball after being acquired by Los Angeles back in 2021. The 31-year-old has finally made it back after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. He figures to operate in low-leverage spots initially, but should factor into the Dodgers late-inning mix down the home stretch.

It was originally reported that Phillips would be with the Dodgers on Sunday, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts clarified that will now take place Monday. The right-hander will be a bridge for the Los Angeles bullpen in the mid-to-late innings.

Phillips has missed all of 2026 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 31-year-old will likely be eased into work after missing the first three months of the campaign, but should be a high-leverage option in the second half of 2026. Just keep in mind that save chances won’t be guaranteed.

Phillips allowed one hit and one walk, but also struck out a batter and didn’t let any runs cross the plate. In 5 2/3 innings at Triple-A this season, he has allowed on runs on five hits with a 5/4 K/BB ratio. Obviously, command is going to be the last thing to return after Tommy John surgery, but Phillips looks close to returning to the Dodgers’ bullpen.

The 31-year-old allowed one hit, one walk, and hit a batter while striking out one. It wasn’t a flawless outing, but Phillips has now thrown 2 2/3 scoreless innings at Triple-A while walking three, striking out three, and allowing two hits. He will need a couple more appearances as he continues to shake the rust off in his return from Tommy John surgery.

Phillips progressed to facing hitters for the third time since last year’s Tommy John surgery. He got in a pair of appearances earlier this month at extended spring training out in Arizona. The 31-year-old former closer figures to be ready to rejoin Los Angeles’ high-leverage mix at some point around midseason.

The 31-year-old right-hander continues to progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he’s expected to be out until at least July, which means that this move was inevitable. He should be able to provide an already stacked Dodgers’ bullpen with a boost for the second half of the 2026 season.

Phillips was non-tendered in November but returns at the precipice of Spring Training. He pitched in just seven games for the Dodgers last year, with a 0.00 ERA and six strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched. The contract says Phillips should have a shot at a roster spot when healthy, but he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be out until July. The Dodgers now have Edwin Diaz on hand, so despite how well Phillips has pitched, he has no closer appeal without a Diaz injury even once healthy.

Phillips is probably out until midseason after Tommy John surgery and was going to be a free agent after next season anyway, so his projected $6 million salary in arbitration was excessive. There should be wide interest in him on a cheaper deal, maybe one with an option for 2027. He has a 2,66 ERA in 121 2/3 innings the last three seasons.

It sounded ominous when the Dodgers moved him to the 60-day injured list earlier this week and didn’t provide much of an update on his status. We have some clarity now and it’s unfortunately a worst-case scenario. Phillips tried playing catch a couple of days ago and it didn’t go well, prompting another examination and the ultimate diagnosis of the torn UCL. He’ll miss the remainder of the 2025 season and a large chunk of the 2026 campaign as well while recovering.