Evan Phillips' return could change everything for the Dodgers' bullpen in 2026

The looming return of relief pitcher Evan Phillips, who is 13 months removed from Tommy John surgery, could change everything for the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen.

Sure, every contender could use another bullpen arm at the MLB trade deadline — and things were trending in that direction when the Dodgers 'pen hit a rough patch in mid-June just after their record scoreless innings streak — but now that the boat has settled and reinforcements are on the way, there's little need to force it.

The Dodgers are expected to get Edwin Diaz back in the foreseeable future. Tanner Scott remains a force in the back end of the bullpen despite a poor outing on Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies. Alex Vesia is as reliable as ever. If Phillips can contribute anything at all, then perhaps Andrew Friedman can turn his focus elsewhere in early August.

Phillips has barely pitched in two seasons. Dave Roberts admitted the Dodgers have been incredibly careful in judging his return from elbow surgery from afar. That's the benefit of featuring a roster like the Dodgers have, after all.

“We took our time with Evan getting back. I know he’s thrilled. I think we got better today,” Roberts admitted. “The question is what role I’ll use Evan in, but we’ll just kind of see how the game goes and see the leverage. He’s pitched big ball games for us, but we’ll probably start a little bit slower.”

From 2022-24, Phillips was one of the best relief pitchers in the Dodgers bullpen. He spent a month in the minor leagues ramping up to a promotion off the injured list, in which he experimented with grips and location, and developed his changeup.

Evan Phillips' return could impact the Dodgers trade deadline plans

As is commonplace for the Dodgers this time of year, they've been connected with just about every bullpen upgrade there is, from Aroldis Chapman to Antonio Senzatela. But bullpen additions do not come cheap, especially when they are of the closer or back-end variety. If Phillips picks up where he left off in 2024 — or can even resemble the pitcher he once was — it could eliminate a need for the Dodgers.

Edwin Diaz is inching closer to a second-half return. Scott has been excellent in his steed, as he has a 2.70 ERA and 12 saves, ranking fourth among NL relievers in WHIP. Dodgers fans will always want more, but factor in Vesia and Roki Sasaki's experience closing games in the 2025 postseason, and they already have an embarrassment of riches under contract.

This allots more resources, specifically prospect capital, for the Dodgers to add elsewhere. Think Tarik Skubal, or perhaps another outfield bat. The options are endless if Friedman wants to make a third-straight Dodgers World Series title a foregone conclusion.

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