Dodgers Re-Sign Evan Phillips, Expect Him Back in July

This article breaks down the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to re-sign right-handed reliever Evan Phillips on a one-year deal. It looks at his injury history and what that means for the bullpen.

You’ll also get a sense of Phillips’ journey in Dodger blue and why this renewal matters in the fiercely competitive NL West.

Dodgers bring back Evan Phillips on a one-year, $6.5 million deal

Phillips, 31, is coming back from Tommy John surgery and should be ready to pitch around July. In 2025, he appeared in seven games to start the season, logging 5 2/3 innings and recording one save before hitting the injured list with a rotator cuff strain in mid-March.

He came back about a month later and made seven scoreless appearances, but landed back on the IL on May 7 because of forearm discomfort. The one-year deal shows the Dodgers still believe he can return to form once he’s healthy, though there’s always a bit of uncertainty there.

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez contributed to the report.

From release to bullpen staple: Phillips’ ascent in Los Angeles

The Dodgers first picked up Phillips after the Baltimore Orioles released him in August 2021. The Tampa Bay Rays had designated him for assignment soon after that, and Los Angeles swooped in.

They turned him into a reliable late-inning option. That says a lot about their development system and the trust they put in his fastball-changeup mix and deceptive delivery.

From 2022 through 2024, Phillips posted a 2.21 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. He saved 44 games and struck out 206 batters over 179 regular-season innings.

He became a cornerstone of the bullpen in high-leverage spots, even if arm issues in the 2024 postseason kept him off the Dodgers’ World Series roster.

The business angle: why a one-year bet now

The contract signals a clear bet on a midseason return from surgery and rehab. By sticking to a single season, the Dodgers keep their financial flexibility and leave the door open for longer-term decisions depending on how Phillips looks once he’s back out there.

The $6.5 million price tag feels like a fair gamble for a late-inning arm who can miss bats and close games—when he’s healthy, anyway.

• One-year commitment: The Dodgers get Phillips for 2025 with little long-term risk, keeping payroll options open for other bullpen moves.
• Injury timeline: Tommy John surgery, a rotator cuff strain, and forearm discomfort made for a rough 2025 start, but there’s hope for a July return.
• Performance history: He’s shown a sub-2.50 ERA over multiple seasons, with strong strikeout numbers and a solid WHIP, which helps justify this deal.
• Role flexibility: The club can use Phillips in different high-leverage spots, depending on how he’s feeling and who they’re facing.

Impact on Dodgers’ bullpen and postseason plans

Phillips’ return brings a veteran edge to a bullpen that already leans on some trusted arms. If he can shake off the rust and get back to his old self by midseason, he’ll probably find himself pitching late in games—maybe as a setup guy, maybe even closing in the right spots.

The Dodgers’ front office loves to mix and match their relievers. Phillips’ late-inning experience gives them another option when things get tense, especially when every game feels like it matters. Health is the big question mark here—coming back from major surgery and the usual bullpen aches takes patience, rehab, and a careful eye during spring training and those first few months.

The team’s decision to bring him back sort of hints at their faith in his ability to help once he’s ready. Fans will definitely keep an eye on whether Phillips can rediscover that 2022–2024 groove he had before things went sideways in the postseason.

If he stays healthy, his mix of velocity, deception, and late-game poise could steady the Dodgers’ bullpen again. That could mean a lot, especially with the National League playoff picture looking as crowded as ever.

 
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