The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was an area of strength for most of the 2022 season, with Evan Phillips among the key contributors.
The right-hander didn’t have a defined role, but enjoyed a career year that saw him put up some of the best numbers of any relief pitcher in baseball.
In 64 appearances, Phillips went 7-3 with a 1.14 ERA, 1.94 FIP, 0.76 WHIP and two saves across 63 innings pitched. He threw an additional 6.1 scoreless frames in the postseason.
During an appearance on “Dodger Talk” with David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports, Phillips acknowledged his career year in 2022 but won’t allow himself to get wrapped up by it:
“Looking back on my season, I know I had a great statistical year and I really helped out the team quite a bit, but I’m really not one to relish in my own personal success. So I think the blessing of becoming a father, learning the news of our pregnancy, has really allowed me to distract my brain from the on-field success. Now I have a whole new perspective on life and what it’s going to mean to be a father.”
Phillips’ outstanding campaign earned him praise from now-former Dodgers teammate Justin Turner, who called the 28-year-old the most underrated reliever of the 2022 season.
Phillips was among the Dodgers’ nominees for the 2022 All-MLB Team, but ultimately didn’t earn a selection. Phillips is among the players on the team eligible for salary arbitration this offseason due to reaching Super Two status.
He is projected to earn a $1.4 million salary in 2023 and presumably will take on an even bigger role as a result of roster turnover and the Dodgers still not having an established closer.
Evan Phillips and wife Elizabeth expecting first child
Phillips and his wife Elizabeth announced earlier this month they are expecting their first child. The couple shared the news on Instagram, saying the baby is expected to arrive in 2023.
Phillips joins Mookie Betts, Caleb Ferguson and Max Muncy in revealing themselves to be expectant fathers since the season concluded. Cody Bellinger shared he and his girlfriend Chase Carter are having a second child as well while he was still under contract with the Dodgers.
During the postseason, Cara and Will Smtih also had their first child just hours before Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres.
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