Just when there had started to be good news surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ injury luck, the team announced today that reliever Evan Phillips will be heading back to the Injured List with forearm discomfort after starting the 2025 season on it.
The resulting move is Los Angeles activating right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer. Phillips had just dealt with a tear in his right rotator cuff.
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Since Phillips’ return on April 19, he has pitched in 7 of the Dodgers’ 14 games, giving up zero runs in 5.2 innings in that stretch.
May 2, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips (59) and catcher Will Smith (16) celebrate after a victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn
Phillips has appeared in 201 games over five seasons with the Dodgers and has a 2.22 ERA with the team.
The severity of the injury to Phillips is unknown, but his being sent to the IL has been a common theme of the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season.
Some names that are currently on the list include Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Blake Treinen. That’s six names that have been highly productive for Los Angeles over their time, while some have been short, with the team.
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This has allowed for other names like Ben Casparius and Jack Dreyer to get opportunities out of the bullpen in high-leverage spots.
This also isn’t the first time Sauer has been called up, already pitching 6.2 innings with the team this season.
Hopefully for the Dodgers, this is just a precautionary injury list stint for Phillips, and when he’s able to return, he will.
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