As the Dodgers get set to start their playoff run next week, they are in the final stages of putting together exactly what their roster will look like. LA has gone through plenty of players this year, and now it’s just a matter of getting it in order.
One player who will be on the postseason roster despite some struggles of late is relief pitcher Evan Phillips. He has had a shaky last few weeks of the season, and for the Dodgers to be successful in the playoffs, they will need their guy to shake it off.
However, manager Dave Roberts isn’t too concerned with the closer, and he knows that Phillips himself has been frustrated with his recent performances.
“I don’t know if it’s mechanical. I know he’s frustrated, but I still have all the confidence in him to figure it out as we go forward.”
Dave Roberts via SportsNet LA
On the year, Phillips holds an ERA of 2.11 and a record of 2-4. He also struck out 64 batters in 59.2 innings of work and has 23 saves on the season.
Phillips is one of the more trusted guys out of the Los Angeles bullpen, so Roberts will ride with his guy. Sometimes this is for better or worse, but Phillips has shown that he is more than capable of winning in the biggest moments.
“I think with Evan, the last couple years the cutter in to lefties has been a big weapon for him," Roberts said. "Able to get that ball coming in on the hands, and right now it’s backing up. Versus right, the sweeper has been really good. I just think right now he’s a tick off."
Dave Roberts via SportsNet LA
Every player goes through slumps throughout a long season, and for the Dodgers sake, this is his time for the ineffectiveness.
Hopefully, he can recover his form in the next week, and get ready for the postseason. The Dodgers are going to be relying on him in big moments this postseason, so he will need to get back to being his dominant self.
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