Dave Roberts Says What Evan Phillips Has Done is 'More Valuable Than a Closer'

The Dodger bullpen has been one of the more glaring problems for the team this season, and the sixth-worst relief group in the majors is in large part responsible for LA looking up at the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West race as the All-Star Game approaches.

It hasn't been all bad in that department for Los Angeles, however.

Their bullpen ERA has improved by about half a run in the last few weeks, and Evan Phillips has shown All Star caliber stuff, to the tune of a 2.57 ERA for the right-hander.

Phillips' role is definitely non-traditional. Yes, he's shut the door on teams in the 9th inning and collected 12 saves on the year, but the 28-year-old has pitched in a variety of high-leverage situations this season, and isn't necessarily reserved for just the 9th inning.

Whether it'd be having to end a game in the 9th or mowing down the heart of a lineup in a big spot in the 8th, Phillips has proven to be a a true jack of all trades for his team and a valuable asset over the years, none more so than 2023.

That reliability and versatility has earned Phillips hearty praise from his manager, as Dave Roberts told J.P. Hoornstra of the Orange County Register.

“We could’ve easily made Evan the dedicated closer to accrue saves,” Roberts said, “but what he’s done to buy into our team and pitch in highest-leverage (situations) every time he’s out there has been, I would argue, more valuable than a closer. He’s facing the toughest part of the lineup every time he’s out there.

This isn't to say that a closer's job can be easy, because it's certainly not, but Phillips is accruing big outs no matter the situation, definitely lending credence to Roberts' thoughts.

And Roberts looks to agree with that assertion, as he had this to say about the do-it-all reliever.

“A closer, you could face the bottom (of the lineup), it could be a three-run lead. Every time (Phillips) is out there, it’s the highest leverage (situation).”

Both Phillips' overall performance and his versatility have been significant boosts for the Dodgers this year, and the team will hope for more of the same as they look to find consistency this season.

Phillips will play a big part in the Dodgers' climb, and the team knows that they'll get exactly what they need out of him: The ability to come up big. No matter the time.