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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips (59) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field.

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated May 12, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff has been riddled with injuries to start the season. This includes some of the team's top starters and high-leverage bullpen arms.

Evan Phillips was the latest player to be sent to the Injured List with forearm inflammation. Seen initially as a precautionary move considering Phillips spent most of April on the IL, however, now the timeline for his return may be prolonged.

Phillips received an MRI on Friday that revealed there was also some inflammation in his elbow. According to Dodgers reporter Bill Plunkett, this will set Phillips back a couple of weeks as he's been advised to stop throwing.

The Dodgers should remain cautious with Phillips as he's been one of the team's best relievers during his time with Los Angeles.

Phillips has appeared in 201 games over five seasons with the Dodgers and has a 2.22 ERA with the team. In 2025, he appeared in seven games, throwing 5.2 innings and not allowing a run.

The replacement for Phillips will continue to be right-hander Matt Sauer, who was recalled once Phillips was i sent to the IL, and Sauer will play a crucial role in the Dodgers' bullpen as a "bulk-innings" arm.

In other Dodgers reliever news, flamethrower Michael Kopech has begun his rehab assignment and is feeling good, according to reports within the organization. The Dodgers have almost the entirety of a pitching staff on the Injured List right now, but despite that, Los Angeles still sits atop the National League West.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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