Evan Phillips Prepares for Tommy John Surgery: What It Means for His Future

Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips will have Tommy John surgery, as confirmed by manager Dave Roberts. This means he’ll be out for the rest of this season and potentially most, if not all, of 2026. It’s a significant loss for both the Dodgers’ bullpen and for Phillips himself.

Phillips joined the Dodgers in 2021 after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay. He quickly made a name for himself, posting a remarkable 1.14 ERA over 63 innings in his first full season. He followed up with an impressive 2.05 ERA last year, securing 24 saves as the team’s closer. He continued to contribute with 18 saves in the previous season before transitioning to a setup role after the team acquired Michael Kopech.

Before this, Phillips had a clean health record, only dealing with minor issues related to his quad and hamstring. However, things shifted last fall when he played through arm fatigue during the playoffs, leading to his absence from the World Series. By the offseason, he was diagnosed with a slightly torn rotator cuff tendon. After avoiding surgery, he returned to the mound in April, showcasing his skills with 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Unfortunately, he faced forearm discomfort three weeks later and was placed on the injured list again.

Currently, Phillips is one of 14 pitchers on the Dodgers’ injured list, with most on the 60-day version. Other sidelined pitchers include Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates, who are also crucial to their bullpen. While Michael Kopech is expected to return soon, the others are still working through their recovery.

This surgery raises questions about Phillips’ future with the team. He is currently earning $6.1 million and will be eligible for arbitration next offseason. Given his injury, it’s possible the Dodgers might decide against tendering him a contract. Yet, the team has a history of taking chances on talented pitchers with health concerns. Even if they part ways now, they might explore a two-year deal to secure his return for the 2027 season.

Injury issues are impacting the Dodgers at a critical point. A recent study from ESPN reported that pitcher injuries have surged by 30% over the past decade, emphasizing how precarious a career in baseball can be. As the season progresses, Phillips’ story serves as a reminder of the struggles athletes face, not just physically, but in terms of their careers and futures.



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