Dodgers Receive Troubling Update on Injured Reliever

Phillips has not pitched since the Dodgers’ May 5 contest at the Miami Marlins, and his status is murkier than ever. You never want to hear “elbow” and “pitcher” in the same sentence.

It is a tough blow for Phillips as he has been virtually unhittable to start 2025. Through seven outings and five and 2/3 innings, the 30-year-old has a 0.00 ERA, a 2.03 FIP, one save, and six strikeouts to just two walks.

This is nothing new for Phillips, who has been dominant in his Los Angeles tenure. Since joining the Dodgers in 2021, he has a 2.22 ERA, a 2.76 FIP, 45 saves, and 221 strikeouts to 52 walks over 195 innings pitched.

While Los Angeles is still 32-21 and atop the National League West, its bullpen could use someone of Phillips’ caliber. The bullpen has a combined ERA of 3.92, a fine figure that lands 15th among Major League teams. However, and in fairness, it is not yet June, that 3.92 needs to improve if they are to repeat as World Series champions.

For reference, the Dodgers were fourth in the Majors last season with a combined bullpen ERA of 3.53.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, fellow injured reliever Michael Kopech is making rehab appearances, and Brusdar Graterol has resumed a throwing program.

Still, without Phillips, this is a bullpen that will need some less familiar names to step up over the next several weeks or months.