Dodgers News: Evan Phillips Not Quite Throwing His Best Relief Yet
Don't call him the closer, but... he's the closer. Evan Phillips has been great since coming to the Dodgers in a waiver wire deal in 2021. He's yet to allow a run in 4 outings this year but Dave Roberts thinks we still haven't his best this season.
Following Phillips's second save of the season, the Dodger manager shared that the right-hander is working through mechanical issues early in the season.
"Evan, he's still working through some things. He's still good enough that he's still throwing strikes and got another save. I trust him. But, there’s some things mechanically I think he’s working through to be more consistent with the throw. But, he’s as dependable as they come.”
One thing noticeable about Evan -- and this is being nitpicky -- is the velocity is a bit down to start the year. Not down a troubling amount, but lower than the high-90s he displayed during his electric campaign a season ago. Despite that, he leads the team with 2 saves and has allowed just 2 base runners over his 4 appearances.
Doc talked around the fact that Phillips is essentially the Dodgers' closer to open the season, even if they won't say it by name. And that's the right call for the team to make. Keep it fluid... don't put no labels on it.
