Dodgers News: Phillips Begins Throwing Program
Right-handed bullpen arm Evan Phillips began his rehab throwing program
LOS ANGELES, CA—Leading into the 2025 regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to have one of the best bullpens in baseball after refortifying their arms over the winter despite a strong performance from them that October.
Overall, the Dodgers brought back veteran right-hander Blake Treinen while also adding the two best arms in free agency, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates.
Despite that, the Dodgers’ bullpen underperformance was a huge issue down the stretch and this postseason, forcing Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to use his plethora of starters to fill critical innings throughout October.
A significant reason the bullpen struggles despite down years from multiple players is injury, and one injured player put the bullpen in a tailspin early on: right-hander Evan Phillips.
Before his elbow surgery that ended his season, Phillips began the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right rotator cuff strain. He was activated on April 19th but returned to the IL two and a half weeks later because of discomfort in his right forearm.
Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery on June 4 and shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday, showing him playing catch for the first time since the procedure.
Phillips is expected to play a significant role in the Dodgers’ 2026 bullpen, given his history as one of their most reliable pitchers. However, MLB Trade Rumors listed him as a potential non-tender candidate due to the Dodgers’ full 40-man roster and the return of multiple injured pitchers.
Phillips is entering his final arbitration year and will become a free agent after the 2026 season. During his time with the Dodgers, he has recorded a 2.22 ERA over 195 innings.
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