Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips needs Tommy John surgery

Field Level Media|published: Fri 30th May, 21:11 2025

Oct 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips (59) reacts after being relieved in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres during game five of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips is ticketed for Tommy John surgery, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Friday prior to the team's home game with the New York Yankees.

The 30-year-old Roberts has been an important member of the Dodgers' bullpen for the last three-plus years -- highlighted by a 1.14 ERA as a middle reliever in 2022, 24 saves in 2023 and 18 saves for last year's World Series champions -- but he was able to pitch in just seven games this season.

Phillips didn't allow any runs in his 5.2 innings, but he missed Opening Day due to rotator cuff concerns and went to the 15-day injured list on May 7 with right elbow woes. When Phillips' health did not improve, the Dodgers discovered he'll need surgery that should sideline him deep into the 2026 season.

Since the Dodgers grabbed Phillips off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in August 2021, the right-hander has delivered a 15-9 record with 45 saves, a 2.222 ERA and 201 strikeouts versus 52 walks over 195 innings.

Phillips was shifted Thursday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day to make room for reliever Alexis Diaz, who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds.

Phillips joined 10 pitchers on the Dodgers' 60-day injured list: Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt, Michael Kopech, River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, Blake Snell, Gavin Stone and Blake Treinen.

Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki and Kirby Yates are on the team's 15-day IL.

--Field Level Media

Latest