Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips needs Tommy John surgery, manager Dave Roberts announced Friday prior to the team’s home game with the New York Yankees.
The 30-year-old Phillips has been an important member of the Dodgers’ bullpen for the last three-plus years – highlighted by a 1.14 ERA as a middle reliever in 2022, 24 saves in 2023 and 18 saves for last year’s World Series champions – but he was only able to pitch in just seven games this season.
Phillips didn’t allow any runs in his 5.2 innings, but he missed Opening Day due to rotator cuff concerns and went to the 15-day injured list on May 7 with right elbow woes.Â
And when Phillips’ health did not improve, the Dodgers discovered he’ll need surgery that should sideline him deep into the 2026 season. He will have the surgery on June 4.
‘It’s surprising,’ Roberts said. “More disappointed for Evan, but he just wasn’t responding to the rest and then [trying] to ramp back up.Â
‘Ultimately, that was kind of the advice and the route he decided to go.’Â
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips is going to have Tommy John surgery
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Phillips hadn’t responded to rest and now needs surgery
Since the Dodgers grabbed Phillips off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in August 2021, the right-hander has delivered a 15-9 record with 45 saves, a 2.222 ERA and 201 strikeouts versus 52 walks over 195 innings.
Phillips was shifted Thursday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day to make room for reliever Alexis Diaz, who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds.
It comes amid an unfortunate injury to star outfielder Mookie Betts, too.
The 32-year-old missed Friday’s 8-5 win over the Yankees after stubbing his toe so badly, he couldn’t put his shoe on before Friday’s 2024 World Series’ rematch.
‘Not exactly sure how. It´s just kind of an accident,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
‘I feel confident saying it´s day-to-day but putting on a shoe today was difficult for him. It just keeps coming.’
Phillips joined 10 pitchers on the Dodgers’ 60-day injured list: Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt, Michael Kopech, River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, Blake Snell, Gavin Stone and Blake Treinen.
The Dodgers return to action on Saturday night in the second of their three games against the Yankees.Â
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Dodgers stunned as pitcher Evan Phillips ruled out for the season