Dodgers Expect Reliever to Return From IL Before All-Star Break

Dodgers Expect Reliever to Return FromThe Los Angeles Dodgers expect right-hander Evan Phillips to return from the injured list before the All-Star break, per the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett.

The Dodgers non-tendered Phillips during the offseason, as he had been recovering from Tommy John surgery since June 2025. They signed him to a one-year, $6.5 million deal before spring training, though, and he has been working his way back since.

Phillips has been on his rehab assignment in Triple-A since June 4, and has made 11 appearances over the course of the month. He has thrown nine innings across those appearances, allowing two runs for an even 2.00 ERA and striking out 11 batters.

The right-hander has only improved since the beginning of his rehab, as he struck out the side in a perfect outing Wednesday.

Phillips’ return to the bullpen would be a massive upgrade for the Dodgers, as he has proven in years past he can operate at a high level in high-leverage situations. Since the Dodgers claimed Phillips off waivers in the 2021 season, he has been lights out for Los Angeles.

In five seasons with the team, Phillips has a 2.22 ERA through 195 innings pitched posting numerous All-Star caliber seasons. His best year came in 2022, when he pitched 64 times for the Dodgers and had a 1.14 ERA. Phillips played just seven games for the Dodgers in 2025, but managed to hold his opponents scoreless through 5.2 innings pitched.

The veteran reliever can also solve the Dodgers’ closer problem, as he has experience in the role with the team. He recorded 24 saves in 2023, as well as 18 more in 2024.

The Dodgers are short a few bullpen arms with players like Edwin Díaz, Blake Treinen and Ben Casparius on the injured list, so players have come up and gone straight back down to Triple-A often over the course of the season.

LA called up Paul Gervase after Wednesday’s loss to the Athletics, and he will likely head back down when Phillips makes his return. If not Gervase, it will more than likely be whichever player replaces him before Phillips comes back.

Should Evan Phillips immediately take over high-leverage situations for the Dodgers when he comes back?