Dodgers News: Evan Phillips Not Available to Play Friday Against Diamondbacks

As the Dodgers take on the Diamondbacks for the millionth time so far this season, they’ll do so without their best reliever out of the bullpen.

Before the game, manager Dave Roberts revealed that right-hander Evan Phillips would be unavailable after throwing in back to back games (albeit separated by three days.)

Phillips earned his second straight save on Thursday night, needing 15 pitches to set the Snakes down in order. He’s made 4 scoreless appearances to open the season.

Another note from the tweet above, fellow right-hander Brusdar Graterol was available heading into the game after a back issue kept him out of last night’s action.

The Dodger bullpen has been solid if unspectacular to open the season. Relievers have done well in run prevention (2.86 ERA heading into play on Friday) but has been fairly middle of the pack in terms of batting average against in the NL (.235) and in recording strikeouts. Roberts addressed the bullpen last night, offering that the core is doing enough to get by for now.

If things can stay as they are, help is on the way with several relievers returning from injury at different points this season.

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