Dodgers Bullpen right-hand pitcher Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery for the season to be reimbursed early

Dodgers coach Dave Roberts announced ahead of today's series against the Yankees that backup pitcher Evan Phillips will undergo surgery on Tommy John next Wednesday. The regular recovery period of 12-18 months means that Phillips will miss the rest of the 2025 season and most of the 2026 season.

"It's shocking," Roberts said, "and it's even more regrettable for Phillips." After recuperation, his injuries did not improve, and he eventually took medical advice and opted for surgery. Phillips was on the 15-day injury list on 7 May with a right forearm discomfort that the team was optimistic about missing for the short term. However, an MRI two days later revealed inflammation in his elbow, and a passing exercise was attempted this week to confirm the need for surgery.

"As the treatment progressed, there was no response to the injury," explained Brandon Gomes, the general manager, "and when he continued to rehabilitate and there was no improvement, the decision to operate was clear." The 30-year-old right-hand shooter started the season with a right rotator cuff strain (which caused him to miss last year's World Series) and has not conceded points in 7 games in 5.2 games this season, with two relay successes and one rescue success.

Phillips is the fifth high-lever pitcher in the Dodgers Bullpen to make the injury list: Michael Kopech (right shoulder impingement) is nearing the end of his rehabilitation and is about to make his season debut; Kirby Yates (right hamstring strain) is making good progress for his first bullpen practice throw on Friday; Blake Treinen (sprained right forearm) is undecided; Brusdar Gratrol (labral surgery on his right scapula) is expected to return late in the second half of the season.

Despite the fact that new signing Alexis Díaz will adjust his form at the Arizona training base, Gomez admits that the loss is heavy: "The loss of such a quality backing man with both on-field contribution and dressing room impact is undoubtedly a major blow to the team. "