Los Angeles Dodgers free agent reliever Evan Phillips is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in the summer.
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Phillips is expected to return, but the timeline remains up in the air. The uncertainty surrounding Phillips’ recovery is, in part, a reason for the Dodgers’ decision to non-tender their former closer in November.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed there is a chance for the defending champions to bring Phillips back in free agency.
“We had a number of back and forth discussions with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said. “ It is challenging with him coming off surgery so he is going to take some time and look to sign after he throws off the mound when his rehab allows. Evan has been a big part of our past success and we will continue the conversation about bringing him back. We respect that he is taking this time to decide what is best for him and his family.”
A report from Tim Healey of the Boston Globe stated the Dodgers free agent is hoping to sign a one-year deal and return to the market next offseason. Phillips could delay signing with a team until July, when he is expected to be healthy.
The Boston Red Sox are among teams interested in the 31-year-old, per Healey’s report.
Phillips’ 2025 season was cut short, making seven appearances without allowing a run. He was placed on the injured list in May and underwent Tommy John surgery in July. There’s no telling how Phillips will fare in his return, but he played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run.
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Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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