Dave Roberts Doesn’t Name Evan Phillips Dodgers’ Closer for 2024 Season
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did everything he could to not officially name Evan Phillips the closer, but he hinted at it.
“I definitely don’t think it’s going to be like it was last year,” Roberts said. “I think with Evan, what he did in that role – he did a very nice job. I wouldn’t say (closer by) committee. It’s a good conversation. I don’t think we need to have it right now. I do see Evan doing the brunt of the closing of games. But I still believe it’s prudent to kind of keep that door open where if there’s opportunities in the eighth inning where I think he’s the best option to help us win a baseball game to do that. So I’m going to have a conversation with him. But I think our bullpen is going to be a strength.”
The Dodgers were interested in bringing in a closer in the offseason and were tied to Josh Hader, who ultimately chose to sign with the Houston Astros. Los Angeles has also been mentioned as a possible trade partner with the Boston Red Sox to bring back former closer Kenley Jansen.
After Phillips, the next option would be Brusdar Graterol, who had seven saves in eight opportunities last year. He had an ERA of 1.20 and a WHIP of 0.93 through 67.1 innings of work.
As of now, Phillips is the best option out of the bullpen in the 9th inning. He had a dominant 2023 campaign, when he recorded a 1.74 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with a career-high 24 saves in 27 chances and 152 strikeouts over 134.2 innings
The 29-year-old arrived in L.A. during the 2021 season from Tampa Bay and appeared in seven games. In 2022, he quickly became a dependable arm in the bullpen going 7-3 with a 1.14 ERA and 0.76 WHIP in 64 games. He had 19 holds and two saves out of four opportunities.
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