Tommy John Surgery: What Dodger Fans Should Know as Phillips Joins Long List of LA Pitchers to Undergo the Procedure

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers announced this week that closer Evan Phillips will undergo Tommy John surgery, a blow to a bullpen already reshaped by injuries and rehab timelines. While it’s never easy to lose a high-leverage arm, Dodgers fans have become familiar with the procedure—perhaps too familiar.

In the past several seasons, an entire staff’s worth of LA pitchers have all undergone Tommy John surgery, more formally known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction. It’s a procedure synonymous with baseball, particularly for pitchers whose careers depend on the health of their elbows. Now, Evan Phillips becomes the latest name on that long list, with a recovery timeline likely stretching into the middle or late part of 2026. He joins the Dodgers’ “Tommy John Brigade”:

• Tony Gonsolin: Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023.
• Dustin May: Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021.
• Walker Buehler: Had two Tommy John surgeries, plus flexor tendon repair.
• Emmet Sheehan: Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
• Kyle Hurt: Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
• River Ryan: Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
• Shohei Ohtani: Had Tommy John surgery before joining the Dodgers.
• Evan Phillips: Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025.

But what exactly is Tommy John surgery, and why has it become so common among Dodgers pitchers?

What Is Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery, named after the former Dodgers and Yankees pitcher who first underwent the procedure in 1974, is a surgical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. The UCL is a critical structure on the inner side of the elbow that stabilizes the joint during the throwing motion. When it tears—most often from overuse—it can cause pain, instability, and loss of velocity.

The procedure involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon graft, typically harvested from another part of the patient’s body (commonly the forearm, hamstring, or foot), though donor tissue is sometimes used. The new tendon is then threaded through the humerus (upper arm bone) and ulna (forearm bone) and secured, essentially forming a new UCL.

The surgery was pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe of the Dodgers’ medical staff, who performed it on Tommy John in 1974. John went on to pitch for 14 more seasons, turning what was once a career-ending injury into a surgical milestone. Since then, the procedure has become almost routine among Major League pitchers.

The Dodgers and the UCL Epidemic

For the Dodgers, Tommy John surgery is an all-too-familiar narrative. From the long rehabs of Buehler and May to the now-looming absence of Phillips, the team has had to repeatedly adapt its pitching strategy around significant elbow injuries. Even top prospects like River Ryan and Emmet Sheehan have had UCL issues impact their availability over recent seasons.

Now, with Phillips heading for the operating table, the Dodgers lose not just their closer, but one of the most reliable relievers in baseball. Since 2022, Phillips has posted a sub-2.00 ERA while excelling in high-leverage roles. His absence will force Dave Roberts to reshuffle the back end of the bullpen, likely turning to a mix of veterans and new arms to weather the storm.

What’s the Recovery Like?

Recovery from Tommy John surgery is long and demanding. For most athletes, the return-to-play timeline is between 12 and 18 months. The process begins immediately after surgery with the elbow immobilized in a brace at a 60–90 degree angle to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy starts right away, focusing on preserving motion in the shoulder, wrist, and fingers.

After about two weeks, the patient begins controlled elbow movement. Over the next few months, the focus shifts to restoring full range of motion. By the fourth month, most patients can fully extend their arm again, and by six months, strength training becomes the priority.

For pitchers like Phillips, the throwing program resumes gradually—often between six and nine months after surgery. But full game-readiness, particularly at the MLB level, can take a year or longer. Even after returning, performance is not always immediate. Many pitchers report needing additional months to regain command, velocity, and confidence.

Why Does This Happen So Often?

UCL tears are primarily overuse injuries. The repetitive torque placed on the elbow during high-velocity pitching strains the ligament over time. While pitch counts, rest schedules, and biomechanical studies have advanced significantly, injuries like this remain part of the risk in modern baseball.

Ironically, many pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery return throwing harder than before, which has contributed to a common misconception that it’s a “performance-enhancing” procedure. In reality, it’s a grueling process with no guarantees. Some pitchers recover well; others never regain form.

For the Dodgers, the balance between building a deep, powerful rotation and managing the wear-and-tear of elite pitching remains a constant juggling act.

Looking Ahead for Phillips—and the Dodgers

Evan Phillips’ surgery is a setback for both player and team, but if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Dodgers are well-versed in navigating these waters. They’ve built a bullpen known for its adaptability, and their player development pipeline is strong enough to compensate while Phillips recovers.

If all goes well, fans could see Phillips return in the second half of 2026, following the long but proven path walked by many before him.

In the meantime, his absence is a reminder of the toll pitching takes on the body—and why Tommy John surgery, born in Dodger blue, remains a defining part of modern baseball.

What Dodgers Fans Can Expect:

• Evan Phillips will miss the rest of the 2025 season and most of 2026.
• Full recovery could take 12–16 months depending on individual healing.
• Expect bullpen-by-committee in the late innings, with Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and newcomers like Ben Casparius and Jack Dreyer stepping up.
• Phillips joins a long list of Dodgers to undergo the surgery first pioneered by the franchise’s own Dr. Frank Jobe.

History repeats itself, but so does resilience. If Phillips follows the same blueprint as many Dodgers before him, there’s every reason to believe he’ll return as strong—and as dominant—as ever.

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!