Evan Phillips joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 after being claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. The former journeyman struggled in previous stints with the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles before finding a long-term home in L.A.
After excelling in a fireman role during the 2022 season, Phillips wound up getting the majority of save opportunities for the Dodgers last year. He finished with 24 saves, a 2.05 ERA, 3.16 FIP, 0.83 WHIP and averaged 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings across 62 relief appearances.
Phillips is now in his second season as the Dodgers closer, but he could still be used in different roles depending on the situation.
The right-hander said he is willing to do whatever the club asks of him if it helps with the goal of winning a World Series, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I know this team and this organization has done everything for me,” said Phillips, who was released by the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays during a two-week stretch before blossoming with the Dodgers.
“I have no place to not listen and not hear them out at the very least. Especially with the trade targets you see on TV or hear on the radio or the free agents that have now signed. I’m all about us winning games. Whatever it takes for us to win the World Series, I’m all on board.”
Philips just returned from injury, but he has continued to pitch at an elite level, earning a save in his first game back.
He owns a 0.61 ERA with nine saves in nine chances thus far, while posting a 0.95 WHIP and striking out 18 hitters in 14.2 innings of work.
Evan Phillips tried to normalize ‘weird’ 4-out save
Earlier in the year, the Dodgers clinched a series win against the San Francisco Giants with a 5-4 victory, which required Phillips to convert a four-out save after Michael Grove ran into trouble in the eighth inning.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s weird,” Phillips admitted. “It’s different than what we normally do. I think the best way for me to normalize it is kind of treat it like no big deal.
“Sit there and watch the guys hit, stay loose, stay mentally relaxed and as soon as we get the third out, be ready to go do my job.”
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