Welcome back, Evan Phillips. The Dodgers re-signed the right-handed reliever to a 1-year, $6.5 million deal. Ben Rortvedt — who was just reclaimed last week — was designated for assignment (maybe this time, he’ll make it all the way to Oklahoma City).
With a full 40-man roster and the 60-day injured list not opening for the Dodgers until Friday, this move came as a bit of a surprise, seeing as if they had waited until then, the Dodgers could have just signed Phillips and immediately place him on the 60-day IL. Brock Stewart is also expected to go on the 60-day, which could make room for Enrique Hernandez, who will also, likely, go on the 60-day IL.
Got all that?
Anyway, back to Phillips. He began the 2025 season on the IL before being activated on April 19. He lasted all of 5 2/3 innings before hitting the 15-day IL again with right forearm discomfort. He was moved to the 60-day IL with the same injury at the end of May before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was non-tendered back in November and only the Red Sox showed any interest in him on the free-agent market. With the injury, it always seemed like if he was going to sign a contract for 2026, it’d be with the Dodgers. He likely won’t be ready until midseason, as typical recovery time from TJ is about 12-14 months. I’m sure the Dodgers will have need for another arm by then.
Since being claimed off waivers from the Rays back in 2021, Phillips has been nothing short of remarkable for the Dodgers: 2.22 ERA, 2.77 FIP and a 22.1 K-BB%. If they can get any version of that Phillips back, it’ll be a big positive. More likely, Phillips is pitching for 2027 and beyond. With any kind of strong showing in 2026, he could be in line for a bigger payday in ’27 — with the Dodgers or another team.
For now, it’s good to have him back.