Evan Phillips DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said that right-handed reliever Evan Phillips (shoulder) is "fine" and should be good to go for spring training in February. Phillips missed the World Series in October due to a right-shoulder injury but didn't require surgery. He has yet to start a throwing program, but as a reliever, he still has plenty of time to do so and still be ready for the start of spring training. The 30-year-old was officially shut down in the postseason with arm fatigue. Phillips wasn't quite as good in his third year in LA in 2024, posting a 3.62 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, 18 saves and 63:17 K:BB in 54 2/3 regular-season innings out of the bullpen. Despite the disappointing numbers, Evans saved a career-high 24 games for the Blue in 2023 and should have a high-leverage bullpen role yet again in 2025 for the best team in baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips (arm fatigue) is not on the World Series roster. Phillips is dealing with "dead arm" in his right arm that popped up during Game 6 of the NLCS. He was taken out of that game earlier than expected and the feeling hasn't improved since, causing the Dodgers to leave him off their roster. It is a big loss for Los Angeles, as Phillips was a reliable late-inning arm who hadn't given up a run in 6 IP this postseason. Fortunately, the team will get back Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol to make up for the loss of Phillips.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips recorded his 15th save of the season on Tuesday versus the rival San Francisco Giants. Phillips didn't open the inning as Alex Vesia did, but came on with two runners on. He walked Jorge Soler to load the bags before ending the game with a LaMonte Wade Jr. groundout. Phillips has struggled recently and manager Dave Roberts mentioned before the game that Phillips could be used any time from the seventh inning on, which is not exactly a vote of confidence for managers relying on him for saves. However, it was still nice to see him bounce back in a small sample size Tuesday. Managers should still hold onto Phillips, but it would not be a bad idea to insure him with Daniel Hudson with Vesia also being of consideration.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stopped short of calling right-handed reliever Evan Phillips the team's closer on Monday. Roberts said that Phillips could still pitch in save situations, but that he could also appear in leverage spots earlier in games after his recent struggles. The Dodgers want to give him some opportunities right now to work through his issues. Phillips was roughed up on Sunday night against the Boston Red Sox, allowing three runs on three hits with two walks in just one-third of an inning. He's surrendered runs in five of his seven outings in July, including seven runs (six earned) in 2 1/3 frames in his last three appearances. Fantasy managers shouldn't outright drop Phillips, but benching him until he sorts things out could be the right move. Both Daniel Hudson and Alex Vesia could see save chances in the near future with Phillips in a funk.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips earned the save in Friday's 8-5 win over the Brewers. Phillips made quick work of the final three batters, needing just 12 pitches to strike out the side in the ninth. It was Phillips' 14th save of the season and a much-needed clean inning from the reliever after he had allowed a run in two consecutive appearances heading into the game. The righty now owns a 2.03 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and an 8:30 BB:K in 26 2/3 innings pitched.