The Los Angeles Dodgers can’t seem to get a break from pitching injuries.
Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips will reportedly undergo Tommy John surgery on June 4, scratching another pitcher from the Dodgers’ staff for the remainder of the season.
“It’s surprising,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “More disappointed for Evan, but he just wasn’t responding to the rest and then trying to ramp back up. Ultimately, (surgery) was kind of the advice and the route he decided to go.”
More News: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals What’s Wrong With Tommy Edman Amid Struggles
When the Dodgers placed Phillips on the 15-day injured list earlier this month, the organization was hopeful the stint would be short-term.
Phillips’ injury was initially described as right forearm discomfort. In addition to rest, Los Angeles believed a pain-relieving PRP injection would suffice for treatment.
However, after Phillips attempted to play catch earlier this week, it was evident that the injury may be more severe.
The Dodgers transferred Phillips to the 60-day IL to make space on the roster for reliever Alexis Díaz, who was acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.
The recovery time for Tommy John surgery is estimated to be 12-18 months. Therefore, Phillips will miss the rest of the 2025 season and part of the 2026 season.
Phillips has only pitched in 5.2 innings in 2025, as he started this season on the 15-day IL.
The 30-year-old was dealing with a right rotator cuff strain, sidelining him for the first month of the season.
Los Angeles reactivated Phillips on April 19 before he ultimately landed back on IL two weeks later.
Phillips has been a reliable reliever for the Dodgers since Los Angeles claimed his off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.
The Dodgers left Phillips off their World Series roster last season as he dealt with arm fatigue. However, Phillips has been a reliable reliever through the last four regular seasons and postseasons.
He has never allowed a run while on the mound in the postseason, including the 6.2 innings he pitched in 2024.
Phillips has kept his ERA below 3.62 during his career with the Dodgers. Most notably, Phillips posted a career-best 1.14 ERA and 77 strikeouts through a career-high 64 appearances in his first full season with the Dodgers in 2022.
Phillips will not be alone through his recovery, as three other Dodgers pitchers – River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, and Kyle Hurt – are also recovering from Tommy John surgery.
More News: Dodgers’ Emmet Sheehan Could Return to Team Before End of June
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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