UPDATE (Aug. 16, 1:15 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced they claimed relief pitcher Evan Phillips off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has regularly stressed the organization can never have enough pitching depth, and every season the club has been active in stockpiling arms.
That’s panned out well this year with the Dodgers receiving significant contributions from Phil Bickford after claiming him off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Jimmie Sherfy was another the team leaned on to some extent before he was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
L.A. has also lost pitchers to waiver claims, most recently when the Tampa Bay Rays plucked Jake Reed. The right-hander then was designated for assignment and claimed by the New York Mets.
Now it appears the Dodgers have taken from the Rays by claiming Evan Phillips off waivers, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Dodgers claim RHP Evan Phillips off waivers, source tells @TheAthletic. The Rays designated Phillips for assignment on Saturday, one day after he recorded a three-inning save in his only appearance for the club.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 16, 2021
Phillips made his 2021 debut this past Friday and converted a three-inning save to help provide the Rays’ bullpen with needed rest. The right-hander allowed one run on three hits, including a home run, and struck out a pair.
Tampa Bay designated Phillips for assignment the day after his save.
Phillips made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2018, and has also pitched for Baltimore Orioles in his career. The 26-year-old is 1-3 with one save, a 7.26 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 49 games (one start) over parts of four seasons in the Majors.
Phillips went a combined 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 20 games (one start) for the Orioles’ and Rays’ Triple-A affiliates this year. Phillips is out of Major League options.
Dodgers pitching plans
The Dodgers plan to utilize bullpen games on Monday and Wednesday. The team is yet to announce a starter for either contest, though Mitch White may take the mound in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
But it’s also possible White will follow an opener on Wednesday.
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