Dodgers' Evan Phillips Increases Throwing Intensity

Reliever recovering from Tommy John surgery, may return in July or August

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:33am

Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, has increased the intensity of his throwing during his recovery. Phillips threw to a standing catcher "with noticeably more intensity" on Tuesday, a small but tangible step in his comeback. The right-hander has been placed on the 60-day injured list and is aiming to potentially rejoin the Dodgers' bullpen in July or August if his recovery continues to progress well.

Why it matters

Phillips was a key part of the Dodgers' bullpen before his injury, so his return could provide a boost to the team's relief corps as they aim to contend for another playoff berth. The Dodgers have depth in their pitching staff, but getting a proven reliever like Phillips back would give them more options and flexibility in high-leverage situations.

The details

Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery last June after sustaining an elbow injury. He has been steadily increasing the intensity of his throwing as part of his rehabilitation, with Tuesday's session representing a notable step forward. The Dodgers have placed Phillips on the 60-day injured list, indicating he still has a long way to go before returning to game action. However, if his recovery continues on track, the team is hopeful he could potentially rejoin the bullpen at some point in July or August.

  • Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery last June.
  • On Tuesday, Phillips threw to a standing catcher "with noticeably more intensity".
  • The Dodgers have placed Phillips on the 60-day injured list.

The players

Evan Phillips

A relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California that plays in Major League Baseball.

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What’s next

If Phillips' recovery continues to progress well, the Dodgers are hopeful he could potentially rejoin the team's bullpen at some point in July or August.

The takeaway

The Dodgers are cautiously optimistic about Phillips' recovery from Tommy John surgery, as his increased throwing intensity represents a positive step forward. His eventual return could provide a boost to the team's relief corps as they aim to contend for another playoff berth.