Evan Phillips missed the first 21 games of the season and after returning and making just seven appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he landed back on the 15-day injured list due to right forearm discomfort.
It marked a second injury in the past several months for Phillips as he previously sustained a partial tear in the back of his right rotator cuff during the 2024 postseason. It forced to him to miss the World Series, but the full extent of Phillips’ injury was not discovered until an MRI in December.
Phillips managed to avoid shoulder surgery, although his normal preparation for the year and Spring Training were both delayed, which prompted beginning the season on the injured list.
After some initial hope Phillips would return from his second IL stint rather quickly, he was shut down from throwing due to an MRI that showed inflammation in his right elbow.
That since has given way to Phillips receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat the ailing elbow, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Right-hander Evan Phillips received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow-flexor area earlier this week. Phillips said he has felt some improvement but is not quite pain-free yet and won’t start a throwing program until he is. That could come next week, Phillips said.
Phillips made his first appearance of the season on April 19 against the Texas Rangers, and had pitched in seven games to the tune of 5.2 scoreless innings. He also recorded two holds and a save as a welcomed fresh arm for a Dodgers bullpen that has been put through the wringer this season.
He holds a 0.00 ERA, 2.05 FIP, 9.53 strikeouts per nine, 3.18 walks per nine and 1.06 WHIP.
Timeline for Evan Phillips to return
Phillips is eligible to return from the IL on May 22, but that is going to be delayed and it seems the earliest he would get activated is near the end June if all goes well.
After not throwing for an extended period of time, Phillips will need to start his throwing program from the start and fully build his arm back up. The Dodgers are also likely to be cautious with their high-leverage reliever.
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