The Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered reliever Evan Phillips on Friday, releasing the veteran right-hander into free agency.
The Dodgers claimed Phillips off waivers in 2021 from the Tampa Bay Rays, and he instantly settled in with the Dodgers. He made seven appearances for the Dodgers that season, posting a 3.48 ERA.
Phillips took on a bigger role with the Dodgers the following season and established himself as a key member of the bullpen, maintaining a 1.14 ERA through 64 appearances. He posted the lowest WHIP of his career that season, finishing 2022 with a mark of 0.762.
The right-hander filled the closer role in each of the next two seasons, converting 42 of his 47 save opportunities while keeping his ERA below 3.00 across 123 appearances.
More news: Dodgers Non-Tender Evan Phillips, Making Him a Free Agent
The 2025 season didn’t go quite as well for Phillips, as he suffered an injury in spring training, then landed back on the injured list just a couple of weeks after his return at the beginning of the season. Through his seven appearances last season, the right-hander didn’t allow a single run. Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in May, and and missed the remainder of the season.
With Phillips set to miss most — if not all — of 2026 with his recovery, the Dodgers understandably didn’t want to take on the $6.1 million he’d likely command in arbitration. Despite that, however, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated the Dodgers could still bring him back to LA.
“We had a number of back and forth discussions with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said. “ It is challenging with him coming off surgery so he is going to take some time and look to sign after he throws off the mound when his rehab allows. Evan has been a big part of our past success and we will continue the conversation about bringing him back. We respect that he is taking this time to decide what is best for him and his family.”
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The Dodgers could still use some arms in the bullpen, and while Phillips isn’t an immediate solution to their problem, he has proven himself as a valuable arm and could make his return to help the Dodgers in the future.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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