Evan Phillips Returns to Los Angeles Dodgers After 13 Months Rehab

Back in the Fold

Reliever Evan Phillips was reinstated from the injured list, rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2025. The 31‑year‑old right‑hander spent the last month at Triple‑A Oklahoma City, where he posted a 1.80 ERA with 13 strikeouts and five walks across 10 innings in 12 outings for the Comets. “My primary mix is very sharp and ready to roll,” he said before the Dodgers opened a three‑game set against the Colorado Rockies.

Rehab Reflections

Phillips praised the recovery process, crediting his family and teammates for helping him stay focused during the lengthy rehab. He spent early games working on the physical side of pitching, experimenting with grips, location, and a changeup, then shifted to competition mode later in the stint. “The second half of it I really tried to step up the execution and competition side of things,” he added, eager to contribute right away.

Bullpen reshuffle

Phillips will not return to the closer role, as Tanner Scott has taken over for injured Edwin Díaz, who landed on the IL in April with loose bodies in his elbow. Scott is expected to settle into a middle‑relief spot while building toward a larger role in October, as the NL West‑leading Dodgers chase a third straight World Series title. The moves underscore LA’s depth and flexibility as the season heats up.

Other roster tweaks

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned right‑hander Paul Gervase to Triple‑A a day after he tossed two scoreless innings with two strikeouts against the San Diego Padres. Left‑hander Jake Eder was released, while the club added 24‑year‑old right‑hander Carlos Duran to the 40‑man roster and designated catcher Chuckie Robinson for assignment.

New face on the mound

Duran, a right‑hander who debuted with the Athletics last season, posted a 2‑2 record and a 3.86 ERA for Oklahoma City, striking out 50 batters in 35 innings and holding opponents to a .203 average. His inclusion adds depth to a bullpen that already features regained talent in Phillips and a rising Scott. The organization hopes Duran’s swing can provide steady mid‑inning relief.

Looking ahead

With Phillips back, the Dodgers now have another option to lean on as they push for another championship run, while Scott’s progression looms large for October’s playoff push. The roster tweaks signal a proactive approach to maintaining depth and health throughout the stretch drive. Fans can expect a flexible and potentially dominant Los Angeles bullpen in the coming months.