Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Thankful Evan Phillips Is Back In Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has been ravaged by injuries this season. But, they got one significant arm back on Friday when closer Evan Phillips was activated off the injured list.

Phillips landed on the injured list on May 5 because of a right hamstring strain. To clear a roster spot, right-hander Elieser Hernández was designated for assignment.

Manage Dave Roberts is extremely thankful to have his closer back.

“Having a guy at the back end that you trust, who was off to a really good start to the season, is great,” Roberts told reporters including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. “It allows me to deploy guys in different lanes, different leverage spots.”

Without Phillips, the Dodgers used a variety of bullpen arms in the closing role. Daniel Hudson and Alex Vesia led the way with multiple saves but Ryan Yarbrough, J.P. Feyereisen, and Blake Treinen stepped up when their numbers were called.

Roberts told reporters that Phillips will return to his role as the closer as he was activated. Why wouldn’t he with a 0.66 earned run average in 14 games and a team-high eight saves?

“They haven’t said anything to me, but I certainly hope I get the pitch when it matters,” Phillips said before Friday’s game. “Whether that’s with a lead in the seventh, eighth, or ninth inning doesn’t matter to me. You know that.”

Unfortunately, the Dodgers never had the lead on Friday against the Colorado Rockies and lost 4-1. Perhaps, Phillips will get his opportunity on Saturday or Sunday.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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