The Los Angeles Dodgers activated right-handed pitcher Evan Phillips from the injured list ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Phillips, who has been sidelined with a strained hamstring, is expected to return to his role as the Dodgers’ closer.
The Dodgers activated RHP Evan Phillips from the injured list and designated RHP Elieser Hernández for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 31, 2024
Evan Phillips has been sidelined since the beginning of May after suffering a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring. The 29-year-old missed four weeks, but Phillips is available to pitch on Friday against the Rockies.
Phillips was off to a dominant start in 2024, dealing a 0.66 ERA over 13 ⅔ innings of work. He was on pace to potentially earn his first All-Star nod with eight saves, 17 strikeouts, and four walks. Phillips is one of the many relievers sidelined for the Dodgers who have struggled to find consistency. Last season, Evan Phillips established himself as the Dodgers’ primary closer, recording 24 saves in 62 games with 66 strikeouts.
Dodgers Evan Phillips Activated from Injured List
With Phillips sidelined, Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen served as co-closers for the Dodgers while Alex Vesia and J.P. Feyereisen also picked up a save. To make room on the active roster, Los Angeles designated right-hander Elieser Hernández for assignment in a corresponding move.
Hernández made five appearances for Los Angeles, his first work in the majors since 2022. He signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers over the offseason and was recalled two weeks ago. Hernández made a spot start in his first appearance before the Dodgers transitioned him into a low-leverage reliever. The 29-year-old reliever has good strikeout and walk numbers, but he has been very vulnerable to home runs. He gave up five homers in 9 ⅔ innings with Los Angeles, giving up nine runs in the process.
Since Hernández is out of options, the Dodgers had to designate him for assignment to remove him from the active roster. He pitched to a 2.83 ERA with a 30% strikeout rate over 28 ⅔ innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
While the Dodgers are happy to have Evan Phillips back, Los Angeles is far from full strength. Los Angeles has relievers Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly, Ryan Brasier, and Kyle Hurt all sidelined with injuries as well. The Dodgers are hoping that Phillips returning to the bullpen can give them their much-needed stability.
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