Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract on Wednesday to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 31-year-old pitcher is projected to rejoin the team around July, bringing back his late-inning reliever role.
Injury Challenges Throughout the 2025 Season
Phillips appeared in only seven games early in the 2025 season, pitching 5 2/3 innings and recording one save before a rotator cuff strain landed him on the injured list in mid-March. After a month-long absence, he returned to make seven scoreless outings but was sidelined again on May 7 due to forearm discomfort, prompting a second stint on the IL.
Career Journey and Performance Highlights
Previously released by the Baltimore Orioles in August 2021 and designated for assignment shortly after by the Tampa Bay Rays, Phillips found renewed opportunity with the Dodgers. From 2022 through 2024, he established himself as a dependable relief option, compiling a 2.21 ERA and 0.92 WHIP across 179 regular-season innings, with 44 saves and 206 strikeouts. However, arm issues during the 2024 postseason caused him to be left off the Dodgers’ World Series roster.
Outlook for Phillips and the Dodgers Moving Forward
Phillips’ return offers the Dodgers a valuable asset in their bullpen as they prepare for the second half of the season. While cautious optimism surrounds his recovery, his proven track record suggests he could strengthen their late-inning pitching depth. Fans and the team alike will be watching closely for his return in July to help bolster the Dodgers’ push into the postseason.
