The Los Angeles Dodgers placed the returning Evan Phillips on the 60-day injured list, allowing the team to clear a roster spot and make room for Kike Hernandez, who is joining on his own one-year deal.
The Dodgers re-signed Phillips on a $6.5 million deal while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. He was slated to miss the first half of the season and return for the second-half push for a three straight World Series title.
The 60-day injured list window is opening now that pitchers and catchers are starting to report around the league, and teams are able to create roster spots through the injured list, allowing for players who have major injuries to be put on the list.
Per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register, Hernandez may end up joining Phillips on the 60-day IL, along with Brock Stewart.
Apr 20, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips (59) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dodgers are taking a long view in terms of their roster, open to spending money on players who might miss the early part of the season.
Hernandez and Phillips were both paid to rehabilitate and rejoin the Dodgers later in the season, allowing the organization to flex its talent depth early and then bring the veterans back into the fold where they fit.
Why did the Dodgers sign Evan Phillips if he is injured?
Phillips has a 2.22 ERA with the Dodgers over the past five years, putting up 4.1 bWAR and proving to be a steady, consistent high-leverage reliever.
The righty was great for the Dodgers in the 2024 postseason, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing no earned runs, helping them capture their first of two consecutive titles.
The Dodgers have great pitching depth already, with young arms waiting in the wings, along with other reliable veterans. Considering his track record, Phillips could once again step up big in the postseason for the 2026 push.
He will allow Los Angeles to be more patient at the trade deadline, when relievers are mainly targeted.
The Dodgers can keep their prospects without making a panic move, knowing Phillips will serve as a late-season addition, and the roster is talented enough to hold over until he is ready, while still winning the division and potentially securing a Wild Card bye.
LA Baseball Report
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