The Los Angeles Dodgers brought back a key contributor on Wednesday as they re-signed Evan Phillips to a one-year, $6.5 million contract.
Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment for the second time this offseason to make room on the 40-man roster.
Phillips had a delayed start to the 2025 season due to the right shoulder issue that prevented him from pitching in the 2024 World Series. He managed to pitch in just seven games before going back on the injured list due to right forearm discomfort that ultimately led to season-ending Tommy John surgery.
It is unclear when Phillips will be able to get back on the mound, but the expectation is he will return sometime in July. Pitchers typically have a recovery time of 12-18 months after they undergo the procedure.
Unsurprisingly, Phillips will miss the start of the 2026 season, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
He’s expected to miss at least the start of the 2026 season as he recovers, having just started playing light catch when the Dodgers opted not to give him a contract.
Phillips originally joined the Dodgers in 2021 when he was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. He has gone on to become one of their top relief pitchers, posting a 2.22 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 10.2 strikeouts per nine in 201 games.
The Dodgers non-tendered Phillips earlier in the offseason, which made him a free agent and opened a roster spot, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman suggested the team would still attempt to re-sign him.
Tanner Scott hoped Dodgers would bring back Evan Phillips
Tanner Scott expressed hope at DodgerFest last month that he hoped the Dodgers would re-sign his longtime friend Phillips.
“I do talk to Evan quite often,” Scott said at the time. “I mean, we’ll see where it goes. I like the guy, I hope he comes back.”
Scott and Phillips are now set to be part of a revamped Dodgers bullpen that includes new closer Edwin Díaz, who joined the team on a three-year, $69 million contract in free agency.
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