Spring Training 2026: Evan Phillips and the Dodgers are looking big picture

Evan Phillips appeared in seven games in 2025 before having Tommy John surgery. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

by Cary Osborne

Good-natured Evan Phillips had his patience tested this offseason.

After being non-tendered in November by the Dodgers, the right-handed reliever who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, said there was a hot period early, then a quiet period during the free agency process where he wasn’t hearing from potential suitors.

The wild ride eventually finished in the same place it started — with the Dodgers — when he signed a one-year deal on Wednesday.

Phillips, who had Tommy John surgery in May, is at Camelback Ranch in Arizona.

He said he has been long tossing twice a week. He hopes to throw off a mound on Tuesday to a standing catcher. After that, there is a lengthy road of bullpens, live batting practice and rehab games before a return to the big leagues.

The 31-year-old doesn’t have a target for a return.

“That’s a big reason we wanted to sign back was to help us in October,” Phillips said. “And I think the Dodgers understand that I’m going to have that kind of runway to return to form. There won’t be many expectations on my end early, and I think on their end as well.”

That is how the Dodgers view it.

“Viewing him almost like a trade deadline acquisition, in some way, shape, or form, is kind of how we have it in our heads,” said Brandon Gomes, Dodger vice president and general manager.

Phillips has been one of baseball’s top relief pitchers since 2021. He hasn’t allowed a run in 12 postseason appearances. He missed the 2024 World Series due to injury. He missed the entire 2025 postseason.

The Dodgers, after signing closer Edwin Díaz this offseason, are set in a role Phillips occupied for two seasons. If Phillips is close to the pitcher he was before, the Dodgers have not only an arm to deploy in other high-leverage situations, but a fresh arm for the stretch run.