Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — As the Dodgers prepare for a bullpen game in NLCS Game 6 against the New York Mets, reliever Evan Phillips discussed the team’s mindset and approach to sealing a trip to the World Series. The Dodgers lead the series 3-2 and are looking to capitalize on the home-field advantage at Dodger Stadium.
“We’ll do the same thing we’ve done throughout points in the season, including Game 4 against the Padres,” Phillips said. “Our expectation is just to go one pitch at a time, one batter at a time, and try to stack up zeros. Hopefully, we can get a lead and finish this thing.” With the chance to clinch the series at home, Phillips acknowledged the excitement surrounding the opportunity. “There’s something to being able to finish this here in Los Angeles in front of the home crowd,” he noted. “It’s certainly exciting, and hopefully, it will be really special.”
Reflecting on Game 4 against the Padres, Phillips emphasized how that experience solidified the team’s confidence in executing bullpen games in high-stakes situations. “Doing it on a big stage like that in an elimination game shows that we’re braced to do it at any point,” he said. “We’ve built up that confidence and that equity in bullpen games over the past few seasons. My whole time as a Dodger, bullpen games have been a piece of how we run things here.”
With several relievers seeing limited action so far in the series, Phillips considered it an advantage for the Dodgers. “Against the Padres, there was a lot of recency there, plus them being in division,” he explained. “Oppositely, with the Mets, we haven’t seen them as much throughout the course of this year, and we’ve kind of been protected from some of their guys in the lineup. The rest is probably more important to keep our guys fresh for tomorrow and, if necessary, Game 7.”
On the differences between bullpen games in the postseason and regular season, Phillips noted a shift in preparation. “There’s something a little bit different to that,” he admitted. “The benefit for us is that bullpen games are somewhat of a regular thing. We’re braced for whatever situation we’re called upon for that day. The communication will come to us pregame, and we’ll be ready to go for sure.”
Discussing the evolving role of relievers in postseason baseball, Phillips pointed out how strategy has changed. “Starters going five strong innings and then having great bullpen arms come in behind them is part of the strategy these days,” he said. “Baseball’s in a really great spot right now. You’re seeing a lot of talented players on both sides of the ball shine.”
Phillips also addressed the importance of adapting when facing batters multiple times in a short period. “A lot of that is felt in the moment, within each at-bat,” he explained. “We have more than one way to get an out, so we still feel confident even if we faced a guy a couple of times. That chemistry with our catchers, like Will Smith and Austin Barnes, really helps in situations like that.”
With the season nearing its end, Phillips emphasized that maintaining health and managing workload are essential. “Guys try to keep everything as normal as possible, but you have to adjust based on workload or where your physical health is at that point,” he said. “It’s the postseason, so whatever my 100% is that day is going to be my 100% when I get out there.”
As the Dodgers look to punch their ticket to the World Series, the bullpen will play a crucial role in securing the victory in Game 6. “We’re certainly excited about the opportunity to have a piece in it tomorrow,” Phillips said.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
