Jul 7, 2026 4:45 PM
Updated Jul 7, 2026 8:10 PM
After more than a year of recovery from Tommy John surgery, Evan Phillips is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed back one of their most reliable late-inning relievers Monday, activating right-hander Evan Phillips from the 60-day Injured List after he completed his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
His rehab included an extended assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where the organization allowed him ample time to work back into competitive form before bringing him to Los Angeles.
During his rehab stint, Phillips made 12 appearances and posted a 1.80 ERA over 10 innings while recording 13 strikeouts. The strong performance gave the Dodgers confidence that he was ready to rejoin the major-league club after nearly 13 months away from big-league competition.
Bullpen Gets a Proven Late-Inning Arm
Phillips returns to a bullpen that has performed well despite dealing with several key injuries throughout the season. His experience immediately adds another dependable option in high-leverage situations and gives manager Dave Roberts greater flexibility when managing the final innings.
Over his Dodgers career, Phillips has established himself as one of the club's most trusted relievers, recording 45 saves while handling a variety of late-game roles.
Although the team is expected to ease him back into action, his presence provides valuable depth for a relief corps that has leaned heavily on younger pitchers in recent weeks.
With Edwin Díaz and Blake Treinen currently sidelined, pitchers such as Edgardo Henriquez, Will Klein, and Kyle Hurt have stepped into larger responsibilities.
Those relievers have helped stabilize the bullpen, but adding a veteran with Phillips' track record strengthens the unit as Los Angeles continues its push toward the postseason.
The Dodgers also anticipate Díaz returning shortly after the All-Star break, which could leave the bullpen at full strength for the second half of the season.
Dodgers Shuffle Roster
To create room for Phillips on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Paul Gervase to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The club also released left-hander Jake Eder to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
In additional transactions, Los Angeles added right-hander Carlos Duran to the 40-man roster while keeping him in Triple-A, and catcher Chuckie Robinson accepted an outright assignment to Oklahoma City after recently clearing waivers.
For Phillips, the activation marks the end of a long rehabilitation process.
After months of recovery, bullpen sessions, and minor-league appearances, the veteran right-hander is once again available to contribute at the highest level as the Dodgers continue their pursuit of another postseason run.
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