### Dodgers' Bullpen Faces Setback as Evan Phillips Lands on Injured List The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with a significant challenge in their pitching lineup as right-handed pitcher Evan Phillips has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his right forearm. This injury adds to the mounting concerns surrounding the team's bullpen, which has seen increased usage and strain in recent games. Phillips, who has a history of injuries, was recently activated from the injured list after recovering from a rotator cuff issue that sidelined him during the previous season's World Series. His current condition raises alarms about the overall health of the Dodgers' pitching staff as they navigate the early part of the 2025 season. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Evan Phillips has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right forearm discomfort, a concerning development for the Dodgers' bullpen [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6341235/2025/05/07/dodgers-evan-phillips-injured-list-bullpen-usage]. - This injury follows a series of health issues for Phillips, including a rotator cuff tear diagnosed during the playoffs last year [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_pitcher_dealing_with_another_concerning_injury_lands_on_il/s1_13237_42164179]. 2. **Impact on the Team**: - The Dodgers have been heavily relying on their bullpen, which has seen increased innings pitched this season [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/45042957/dodgers-place-right-hander-evan-phillips-15-day-il]. - Phillips' absence will require the team to adjust their roster, with right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer being recalled to fill the gap [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_place_rhp_evan_phillips_forearm_on_il/s1_17044_42164328]. 3. **Phillips' Performance History**: - Prior to this injury, Phillips had not recorded any wins or earned run average (ERA) in his seven appearances this season, totaling 5 2/3 innings [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_place_rhp_evan_phillips_forearm_on_il/s1_17044_42164328]. - Last season, he had a successful run with a record of 5-1, 18 saves, and a 3.62 ERA over 61 relief appearances [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_pitcher_dealing_with_another_concerning_injury_lands_on_il/s1_13237_42164179]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline**: - Phillips was activated from the injured list on April 19, 2025, after recovering from a rotator cuff strain [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_place_rhp_evan_phillips_forearm_on_il/s1_17044_42164328]. - His current forearm discomfort is particularly alarming given his previous shoulder issues, which included nerve irritation and tightness in various arm muscles [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_pitcher_dealing_with_another_concerning_injury_lands_on_il/s1_13237_42164179]. - **Team Adjustments**: - Matt Sauer, who has a 2.70 ERA in 6 2/3 innings this season, will take Phillips' place on the active roster [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_place_rhp_evan_phillips_forearm_on_il/s1_17044_42164328]. ### Conclusion: A Challenging Road Ahead for the Dodgers **The Dodgers face a critical juncture in their season as they navigate the loss of Evan Phillips to injury.** 1. **Injury Concerns**: Phillips' forearm discomfort adds to the team's existing pitching woes, raising questions about the overall health of the bullpen. 2. **Roster Adjustments**: The recall of Matt Sauer indicates the team's immediate response to fill the void left by Phillips. 3. **Performance Monitoring**: The Dodgers will need to closely monitor their pitching staff's performance and health as they continue through the season. As the Dodgers strive to maintain their competitive edge, the impact of Phillips' injury will be a key factor in their bullpen's effectiveness moving forward [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6341235/2025/05/07/dodgers-evan-phillips-injured-list-bullpen-usage].