The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Evan Phillips from the 60-day injured list and optioned Paul Gervase before their series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Jake Eder was released in order to make room for Phillips on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Gervase is headed back to Triple-A Oklahoma City after joining the Dodgers this past Thursday. He was recalled amid a stretch of back-to-back days that saw the team add a fresh reliever to the roster. Gervase pitched twice, including two innings on Sunday.
Eder was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Washington Nationals in April. He appeared in four games for the team and otherwise had been with Oklahoma City. Eder was placed on the seven-day Minor League injured list on July 1.
Evan Phillips set for season debut
Phillips is part of the Dodgers bullpen for the first time this year. He began the season on the 60-day injured list while still recovering from having Tommy John surgery in June 2025.
“I’ve gained a lot of empathy for people who go through surgery,” Phillips said earlier this year. “It’s a pretty ridiculous process what we have to do afterward. The rehab process is pretty grueling. I’ve definitely grown a soft spot, especially for some of those guys in Arizona trying to get back.
“It’s been a lot of fun going through that process with them, so wishing all the best to those guys too.”
Phillips started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 4 and spent the maximum 30 days permitted. During that span Phillips pitched to a 1.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 12 appearances for the Comets. His rehab assignment concluded with two strikeouts in a perfect eighth inning on Friday.
There was an initial expectation Phillips would be activated on Sunday but the Dodgers elected to push it back one day.
Phillips’ return gives manager Dave Roberts a trusted right-handed option out of a bullpen that remains without Ben Casparius, Edwin Díaz, Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen. Graterol likely will miss all of 2026 after undergoing back surgery.
Meanwhile, Phillips now embarks on a sixth season with the Dodgers. He was non-tendered last November but re-signed with the team in February on a one-year, $6.5 million contract. A strong showing will leave the 31-year-old in a much better position for free agency this winter, though that could be complicated by an expected lockout.
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