The Los Angeles Dodgers have grown accustomed to injuries involving their relief pitchers.
In a change of recent events, manager Dave Roberts has revealed a positive update to one of L.A.’s most consistent pitchers who took on a major role in 2024.
Evan Phillips stepped up as the Dodgers closer last season when there was really nobody else proving themselves for the challenge.
Leading the team in saves and providing his services all the way until the NLCS, a tear in his rotator cuff ended his season days before the World Series.
After watching an impressive bullpen session thrown by Phillips Wednesday morning, Roberts revealed the plan for when the team heads to Japan to open up the season.
Phillips will stay in Arizona and face live batters, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, while the team plays the first two MLB games of the season in Tokyo.
Roberts claimed that the right-hander can be active as soon as the first or second week of April.
On the road to October last season, Phillips made 61 appearances with an ERA of 3.62 over his 54.2 innings.
Those team-leading 18 saves proved crucial along with his 63 strikeouts to only 17 walks.
His postseason play was formidable in the NLDS and NLCS before it was cut short due to the rotator cuff tear.
He pitched 6.2 innings over five appearances with six strikeouts, three walks, and no runs allowed.
When asked about his health in late February by Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Phillips gave an inclredible affirmation on where he is at.
“Physically, right now, I feel 100 percent,” Phillips said. “Now it’s just about building up, starting my bullpen progression, and trying to get as close to game ready as possible.”
Although no everyday closer has been announced quite yet, the additions of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates are sure to fill last season’s lack of late-inning relief pitching in 2025.
