Dodgers Key Reliever Close to Returning Off Injured List
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips is close to making his return, according to manager Dave Roberts.
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Phillips just threw a scoreless inning for Oklahoma City earlier this week, and is “antsy” to make his season debut. This spring, the right-hander told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain that he was feeling good despite the late start to camp.
“Physically, right now, I feel 100 percent,” Phillips said. “Now it’s just about building up, starting my bullpen progression, and trying to get as close to game ready as possible.”
Phillips sustained a right shoulder injury in the NL Championship Series. He sported a 3.62 ERA across 61 appearances for L.A. last year. In 2023, Phillips had a 2.05 ERA across 62 appearances and a 1.14 ERA across 64 appearances in 2022.
The right-hander is one of 12 different pitchers on the injured list this season. Although Phillips hasn’t pitched for the Dodgers this season, he played a role in recruiting Tanner Scott this offseason.
“He had the choice this offseason about where he wanted to go, and I just extended you know any kind of help I could,” Phillips said. “I would tease him here and there and say, ‘Hey man, are we gonna be throwing partners again?’”
Scott has played a crucial role early this year as several bullpen arms began the season on the IL. He currently has a 3.38 ERA with six strikeouts across eight innings pitched.
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Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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