Evan Phillips’ Injury Worse Than Dave Roberts, Dodgers Initially Thought

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Evan Phillips was placed on the injured list with right forearm discomfort as a precaution — or so manager Dave Roberts initially thought. A few days later, it appears the reliever’s injury is much more serious than anticipated as Phillips won’t pick up a baseball for “a couple weeks.”

More news: Dave Roberts Doesn’t Expect Dodgers to Run Away With NL West This Year

When providing the latest update on Phillips, Roberts admitted that the injury is worse than he thought. An MRI on Phillips’ elbow revealed inflammation, but no structural damage.

“Yeah I think it is, just to be frank,” Roberts said. “You’re going from potentially pitching that night to saying I just can’t get loose to going on the IL.

“But … am I concerned about it? No.”

Phillips was initially expected to be activated once he was eligible to come off the IL; however, it appears that won’t happen.

The Dodgers are being cautious with Phillips since he is needed down the stretch and in October. The right-hander was one of the best relievers for the Dodgers last season, finishing the year with a 3.62 ERA, 63 strikeouts, and 17 walks over 54.2 innings pitched.

“It’s inflammation in his elbow so it’s just going to take some time,” Roberts said. “We’re going to take some time with Evan because as we said from the outset he’s so valuable going forward we have to be mindful and cautious with the buildup.”

Phillips had not allowed a run this season, throwing six strikeouts while allowing two walks over 5.2 innings.

More news: Dodgers’ Tommy Edman Calls Trade to LA a ‘True Blessing’

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!