Dave Roberts Raves About Evan Phillips After Long-Awaited Dodgers Return

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted pitcher Evan Phillips, who has just made his debut after a year on the shelf.

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Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025, following only a handful of starts after his return from shoulder surgery.

The righty has been on the receiving end of two serious injuries, and naturally, the Dodgers have been careful with his return, letting him build slowly with a steady diet of work down in Arizona, then adding more bullpen sessions and eventually sending him out on assignment.

Phillips pitched 12 games down in Triple-A, posting a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings. His big test came when he pitched in consecutive days for Oklahoma City on June 24th and June 25th, and he responded well.

Apr 20, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips (59) comes off the field during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field.

As he progressed, Phillips noticed he was recovering better as he went along and added more to his plate.

“Feel like probably the last past two weeks or so really took a good turn on my rehab,” he said. “Started bouncing back even better, pitching more like myself, feeling more like myself.”

To make room for him on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned down Paul Gervase.

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How did Evan Phillips do in his debut?

Phillips had two strikeouts, one hit allowed, and no walks or runs over his first inning of MLB in over a year. His fastball averaged at 97 mph, a good number for him, while his sweeper was great.

Apr 20, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips (59) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dodgers ended up blowing the lead in the inning just before Phillips’ return, but manager Dave Roberts was able to highlight it as a real silver lining.

“He was sharp. The command was great. 97 to 99, I think. The sweeper was sharp. To punch Moniak there with a backdoor sweeper was pretty impressive,” Roberts said.

“Really happy for Evan. As frustrating as this loss is tonight, that’s really a silver lining. He had a long road with the Tommy John, so really happy for him.”

Roberts and Dodgers fans should be happy, after all, they are getting back a pitcher who, at his best, can handle high-leverage moments and possibly challenge for saves even when Edwin Diaz comes back.

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