The injuries just keep on coming for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts just announced that right-handed reliever Evan Phillips will have Tommy John surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. The one-time Dodger closer was on the injured list to begin the season. He resumed his high-leverage role in the bullpen briefly, only to be placed back on the IL a short time later.
Evan Phillips is undergoing Tommy John surgery, Dave Roberts said. Tried playing catch a couple days ago and it “didn’t go well.” His season is over.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 30, 2025
Dodgers Reliever Evan Phillips Needs Tommy John Surgery
A Look Back in Time
For much of the 2023 season and the first half of 2024, Phillips went from an obscure bullpen arm to a reliever that the Dodgers could trust in crucial situations. The right-hander had a mid-90s fastball and a devastating sweeper that allowed him to deceive hitters and become a dependable closer featuring a sub-3.00 ERA. When healthy, his repertoire is filthy. However, after the All-Star Break last year, Phillips’ ERA ballooned above five and his walk rate was abnormally high. Apparently, he had a shoulder issue which would leave him off the World Series roster in October.
A Mirage of Health
A full offseason wasn’t quite enough time for the closer to build up, but he eventually rejoined the club, but reported forearm tightness while warming up in the bullpen. The Dodgers shut him down, and here we are.
When It Rains, It Pours
In addition to Phillips, shortstop Mookie Betts will not be in the lineup tonight against the New York Yankees. Betts, who missed some time earlier this season, stubbed his toe on Wednesday night. Manager Dave Roberts announced that the perennial All-Star will undergo X-rays as a precautionary measure. For now, Betts is listed as day-to-day.
Some Good News…Maybe?
Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates threw off the mound today. He did not feel any discomfort in his hamstring, which he strained during the last home stand. The Dodgers are hopeful that his return is imminent. Yates was once deemed a luxury for the Dodgers. He is now viewed as a necessity.
Right now, Los Angeles could use all the good news they can get.
Photo Credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
