GLENDALE, Ariz. — Evan Phillips nonetheless has an extended method to go on the highway to restoration from Tommy John surgical procedure, however he is glad to know that it ends at Dodger Stadium.
The veteran righty reliever re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $6.5 million contract a number of days earlier than pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Coaching. Phillips had been non-tendered in November as L.A. seemed to present itself extra roster flexibility within the offseason, however the crew had been upfront about its curiosity in bringing him again on a brand new deal.
The Dodgers weren’t the one crew who checked in on Phillips, who blossomed into an efficient late-inning arm after L.A. claimed him off waivers in 2021.
“It was good to see that I used to be being measured as much as that manner, that individuals sought me out as that type of impression participant, and I actually hope I can contribute in that manner,” Phillips mentioned on Sunday. “I’ve all the boldness on the planet with a brand new elbow that I’ll be capable of get again there.”
Phillips made solely seven appearances in 2025, having began the season on the injured checklist with a proper rotator cuff pressure, an damage that had lingered from the earlier World Collection run. His season ended on account of Tommy John surgical procedure in June. It left the Dodgers with out certainly one of their most dependable back-end relievers, as Phillips had posted a 2.22 ERA with 45 saves over 5 seasons in L.A.
Via the postseason, Phillips remained with the Dodgers. His fellow relievers had been comfortable to have him round, and he tried to be a useful resource for them, discovering methods to contribute off the mound. Not lengthy after L.A. efficiently defended its title, Phillips reached an essential milestone by starting a throwing development in early November. Later that month, he hit free company after being non-tendered, which was not altogether surprising.
As he went by way of free company, Phillips continued to rehab his elbow. He stays on schedule and is ready to start a mound development on Tuesday, beginning with throwing off the slope to a standing catcher. He hopes to progress to full bullpen classes sooner or later in March.
With a number of milestones to hit, Phillips may feasibly be prepared round July or August, however he isn’t setting a tough timeline for his return. The Dodgers aren’t speeding to get him again, with their sights set on being at full energy for the postseason.
“He is feeling actually good, throwing appears to be like nice, physique appears to be like nice,” common supervisor Brandon Gomes mentioned. “I feel it is simply being aware and viewing him nearly as like a Commerce Deadline acquisition in a roundabout way, form or type.”
Being welcomed again to the Dodgers has been a joyful but barely unusual expertise for Phillips. Regardless that he was a free agent for a few months, he appears like he by no means left.
“It felt bizarre to get all of the handshakes and hugs,” Phillips mentioned. “It’s simply one other Spring Coaching to me.”
