The Los Angeles Dodgers appear poised to welcome back a key member of their bullpen as early as this week. According to manager Dave Roberts, reliever Evan Phillips is nearing his return and season debut for the team, a development that would provide a significant boost to their pitching staff.
Roberts indicated that Phillips is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, suggesting he is just a couple of outings away from being deemed ready for major league action. Adding to the anticipation, Phillips himself has expressed that he is “antsy” to rejoin the Dodgers.
While RotoWire estimates Phillips’s return from the IL around April 18th, the team has yet to officially announce a reinstatement date.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Evan Philips Nearing Return
This spring, the right-hander told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain that he was feeling good despite the late start to camp.
“Physically, right now, I feel 100 percent,” Phillips said. “Now it’s just about building up, starting my bullpen progression, and trying to get as close to game-ready as possible.”
Phillips began the season on the 15-day Injured List due to a lingering shoulder issue, an injury that was initially aggravated during the 2024 National League Championship Series. Since the season commenced, the 30-year-old right-hander has logged 3.2 innings in the Dodgers’ farm system, allowing two earned runs on five hits as he works his way back to full strength.
Phillips’s value to the Dodgers’ bullpen is undeniable. In the 2024 season, he recorded a solid 3.62 ERA across 61 appearances for Los Angeles. His tenure with the Dodgers has marked a significant resurgence in his career; his performance over the past three seasons has been by far the most productive stretch of his professional career. His impending return would be a welcome addition, particularly as he is currently one of 12 Dodgers pitchers on the Injured List, highlighting the team’s need for healthy and reliable arms.
The Dodgers’ overall team ERA currently ranks 15th in Major League Baseball, a figure that falls short of the expectations for a team widely considered to possess one of the league’s premier pitching staffs. The assurance that experienced relievers like Phillips and Michael Kopech (who is also working his way back from injury) can provide in the bullpen would be invaluable as the season progresses.