The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a key member of their bullpen for the 2025 season when Evan Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery on June 4.
The procedure is also expected to keep him out for much of the 2026 season, but a return around the All-Star break or shortly thereafter could be in play.
The surgery went smoothly for Phillips, who was back at Dodger Stadium last week wearing a cast around his right arm to prevent it from moving.
“The pain has kind of died down at this point, now I’m just playing with the discomfort of being in the cast,” Phillips said. “And ultimately, it’s just a bit of an inconvenience here and there on certain things. But it’s really not been too bad.”
Phillips is set to have the cast removed on Monday, and he will then put his arm into a brace that will allow him to start working on flexions, extensions and getting the range of motion back.
“From that point on, it’s a slow process,” Phillips noted. “But I’m excited about it. Hopefully, there’s plenty of distractions along the way that help it go by faster.”
Phillips also has the benefit of being in a clubhouse where many pitchers have already undergone Tommy John surgery, so he’s been able to talk with teammates about the process.
“I mean, you look around each corner and you feel like you can pick a guy that’s been through it,” Phillips said. “So definitely getting some tips and tricks here and there.
“But I think generally speaking, I’m surprised at how not that bad it is so far. I do keep on waking up each day thinking I’m just going to be able to magically extend my arm again, but I know it’s just going to be some time.
“I think that’s where there’s some learning to do in that regard. I know it’s a long road ahead of me.”
Evan Phillips trying to support Dodgers teammates
Phillips has kept a positive mindset so far, and he plans to try to use that to help his teammates in different ways rather than his ability on the field.
“I just think I haven’t really felt it yet,” Phillips said of his positive mindset after surgery. “I’m sure it’s going to come, and so far, it’s only come watching our guys compete and knowing that I can’t be a part of it for a while, that’s hard.
“But I’m trying to channel that energy into my teammates, specifically our guys in the bullpen to rally together, just be a resource and a support system for them, and do the best I can at that and chip away at my progress along the way.”
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