Dodgers News: Evan Phillips Addresses the Possibility Of Him Taking a More Consistent Role As Closer

Evan Phillips was crucial in the Dodgers’ regular season success as he put together the best season of his career.

He finished the season with a 7-3 record, a 1.14 ERA, only gave up 33 hits, and dealt 77 strikeouts across his 63 innings of work all while staying healthy the entirety of the season. At one point he had struck out 29 batters in a row this summer.

It’s safe to say, Phillips has been BIG for the Dodgers this season. And luckily for us, we’ll have him for another four years.

The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher hopped on Dodger Talk with David Vassegh this past week where he was asked about the Dodgers’ closer situation. Spoiler alert: The Dodgers don’t currently have one as they let Kimbrel walk.

There’s been quite a lot of talk from Dodgers fans who want Phillips to be the new closer so Vassgh asked him for his thoughts on taking the new role if being asked.

“Honestly, hasn’t really crossed my mind at all. I think I’m prepared to pitch in a similar fashion as I did last year. We don’t necessarily value one particular inning any more so than the others so I think as a reliever, taking that mindset into getting outs and if that equates to finishing the game you know I did that plenty of times last year. so if that’s something I’m where called upon for a more consistent role to finish the game and get those final outs I definitely think I’m capable of doing so and if they prefer me in a more similar role as last year I’m more than happy to do that as well.”

Phillips collected 2 saves out of 4 opportunities and 19 holds across his most recent season.

The Dodgers have seemed to be heavily signing some pitching help but there’s definitely a possibility that LA throws Phillips into the closer role this season to close out games. If he has another season like he did this year then I’m all for it.

What do you think about Phillips moving into a closer role? Or do you think he should stick to a late-inning reliever?

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