The Los Angeles Dodgers are just days away from opening the season in Tokyo, Japan. The defending World Series champs have a varied and versatile roster loaded with superstar talent.

However, it is the lesser-known names that may prove the difference between winning and losing a championship in 2025.

Two of these players have been the most reliable options in the Los Angeles bullpen. Therefore, it might surprise some to discover that Dodgers relievers Anthony Banda and Evan Phillips no longer have minor league options, meaning they can no longer be shuttled to and from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The question remains: how will this affect the Dodgers’ flexibility in the bullpen?

Two Key Dodgers Relievers Are Out of Minor League Options

Closer Captain Philips

Evan Phillips has been a revelation for Los Angeles since being acquired via waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in August of 2021. With a mid-90s fastball and a devastating sweeper, the right-hander gained confidence with every outing. He eventually worked himself into high-leverage situations and became a dependable closer.

Dominant Numbers

Phillips has a large sample size from which to analyze his game. For example, between October 1, 2021 and near the end of May of 2023, the waiver claim turned fireman pitched 83 innings with an ERA of 1.30. He had a WHIP of 0.78 and 103 strikeouts. That is more than 11.5 Ks per nine innings. As a result, he had nine saves. The likelihood that Phillips would be shuttled to the minors again became minuscule.

A Bump in the Road

The right-hander opened 2024 as effective as ever. However, as the year progressed, Phillips appeared to struggle with his control. His ERA ballooned to over 5.00, and he missed the World Series due to “arm fatigue.” It was later revealed that the closer had a small tear in his rotator cuff, for which he received a cortisone injection. Manager Dave Roberts said that Phillips looked good in his latest bullpen outing and should rejoin the team in early April. Phillips has earned a place in the bullpen.

Underrated Left-Hander

The other reliever out of minor-league options is left-hander Anthony Banda. The journeyman reliever, who has been a part of more than a half-dozen teams, was traded to the Dodgers from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations in May of 2024. After making some adjustments to his delivery, Banda became a dependable option out of the Los Angeles bullpen with a 3.08 ERA over 49 2/3 regular season innings. However, he was particularly effective in the postseason. Banda threw eight innings in 10 appearances, allowing only one run, spelling a starting rotation that was hampered by injuries.

On the Trade Block?

Despite his success, there was speculation that Banda could be traded in the offseason. After all, the Dodgers signed All-Star Tanner Scott, among others, and they still had Alex Vesia. With Banda out of minor league options, he was one of the likely candidates to be traded.

The left-hander could no longer be moved back and forth, thus limiting the Dodgers’ roster maneuverability. Michael Grove‘s shoulder injury and subsequent surgery further complicate matters.

However, Ryan Brasier was the one ultimately traded to the Chicago Cubs. Proven left-handed relievers are a scarce commodity, and to his credit, Banda has turned himself into one.

Things can change in an instant. But for now, the Dodgers have two invaluable relief options in Philips and Banda, and there is nothing minor about that.