While the Los Angeles Dodgers roster for the World Series welcomed back Brusdar Graterol, Miguel Rojas and Alex Vesia, their team did not include Evan Phillips because of right shoulder trouble.
Phillips had been a significant contributor throughout the year and into the playoffs, solidifying himself as one of the most-trusted options for manager Dave Roberts out of the Dodgers bullpen.
The decision to move forward without one of their high-leverage arms was not an easy one for the organization to make, according to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
There were many different factors that influenced Phillips not being included, with MLB’s interpretation of the rule for replacing injured players on postseason rosters probably the biggest.
“Other circumstances that fall into my situation when it comes to the roster and what we’re able to do and not do when it comes to injury. In my case specifically, it seems to be a little bit more cloudy than clearcut, unfortunately,” Phillips recently said.
“I want nothing more than to be able to compete and be a part of this.”
Because Phillips’ injury occurred before the World Series began, the Dodgers would not have been able to be replace him with another player if trouble arose while playing the New York Yankees.
Specifically, the injury took place after Phillips finished his one inning of work in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.
“I had soreness in Game 6 of the CS. I came out of that game and didn’t quite bounce back the way I wanted to. Fortunately, we had a few days to see where I was at and how I was feeling, and just never really got back to normal. At that point was when we started having hard conversations,” Phillips explained.
The five days off before the World Series began provided some much needed rest for a battered and bruised Dodgers roster. For Phillips specifically, it allowed him to undergo testing on his arm.
“There’s definitely arm fatigue, shoulder fatigue, some nerve irritation. We’ve gotten it looked at, gotten exams, and it’s just not bouncing back the way we need it to, to be able to be a usable pitcher for multiple games and not put the other guys in the bullpen at risk if I were unable to go or be replaced on the roster,” Phillips said.
Because no overt structural damage was seen, Phillips continued to prepare his arm and body as if he was going to return to action just in case the Dodgers need and are able to call upon him.
“MRI showed nothing majorly concerning, and I think that’s why we’re still attacking this thing head-on. We’re still going day by day and trying to get to a point where I’m healthy enough to be an option,” he said.
“If that’s in the World Series by chance, I’d be more than thrilled. We have the big picture in mind as well. It’s a very complex situation, very disheartened by how it’s gone for me personally. Like I said, I want nothing more than to be a part of it.”
Will injury impact Evan Phillips in 2025?
With no major structural damage and a whole offseason to recover, Phillips does not anticipate his right shoulder injury affecting him during the 2025 season.
“Honestly, I feel if I had one more week, I’d be in a good spot. Unfortunately, we can’t delay the World Series just for me, as much as I’d like them to,” he said.
“It’s still been really fun to be part of this experience and coming off a great win tonight, it’s a privilege to be a part of this clubhouse right now.”
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