Quality relievers can come from unexpected places, just like Craig Kimbrel and Kenley Jansen, who recently reached 400 career saves. Despite his tumultuous journey in baseball, Evan Phillips is emerging as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ current relief ace. Phillips, who has always been a pitcher at heart, was released by the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays in quick succession less than two years ago. However, he has since become one of the best relievers in the majors.
Over the past two seasons, Phillips has maintained an impressive 1.51 ERA and a 0.781 WHIP, making him a critical asset for the Dodgers. While the team has struggled with their overall pitching performance this season, Phillips has consistently delivered outstanding results. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts praises Phillips for his ability to command the strike zone, his versatility against both left- and right-handers, and his cool demeanor in high-pressure situations.
Recently, in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Roberts was unable to utilize Phillips due to his previous workload and the game’s dynamics. This gave Phillips an opportunity to reflect on his last outing, where he gave up a walk-off homer. Despite this setback, Phillips remains resilient, knowing that such moments are inevitable and that his team relies on him to perform in those critical situations.
Phillips’ journey from being stuck between AAA and the majors to becoming a dependable big leaguer has been filled with ups and downs. After being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2015, Phillips reached the majors in 2018 but struggled to find stability. It was during his time with the Baltimore Orioles that he learned a new pitch, a sweeping slider, which became his greatest weapon. However, his inconsistent performance led to his return to the minors.
In 2021, Phillips found himself in a familiar predicament when the Orioles decided to prioritize their prospects over him. Fortunately, the Tampa Bay Rays were in need of a fresh arm, giving him another opportunity to prove himself. Eventually, Phillips ended up with the Dodgers, who recognized his talent and took a chance on him. With the guidance of the Dodgers’ pitching group, Phillips expanded his repertoire by adding a cutter and a sinking two-seam fastball to his arsenal.
Now armed with four trusted pitches, Phillips has developed into a valuable asset for the Dodgers. Despite his past doubts, he now firmly believes in his ability to pitch in high-leverage situations. Every time he steps onto the mound, he feels a sense of comfort and love for the game. Pitching has been a constant in his life, and he embraces the challenge and opportunity it presents every day.
Although it’s not feasible for Phillips to pitch every single day, the Dodgers would undoubtedly love to utilize his skills more frequently, especially given their pitching struggles this season. Evan Phillips has proven that great relievers can come from unexpected places and that perseverance and self-belief can lead to success in the most challenging of circumstances.
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