Dodgers Seem to Have Changed Plans Regarding Evan Phillips’ Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers have changed their return plan for Evan Phillips.

Originally, the veteran was supposed to make his season debut during the team's next series against the Chicago Cubs, but per The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, Phillips is with the team in Texas.

Ardaya also reports that Blake Treinen is hitting the injured list due to forearm tightness.

Source: Blake Treinen is going on the IL. He’s dealing with forearm tightness. Was warming up last night but hasn’t pitched since April 13. https://t.co/D5D9Y6UdtE
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 19, 2025

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It appears that Phillips' return has been fast-tracked with the recent Treinen injury news and the plan to return in Chicago is no longer. Per the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris, Phillips will be activated while he is in Arlington.

Dave Roberts said Blake Treinen is going on the injured list with forearm tightness. Evan Phillips is here and will be activated

Treinen is going for a scan today. Roberts said he’s “not too concerned,” but no timeline until he gets his scan
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 19, 2025

As for Treinen's injured list stint, he was seen warming up in the bullpen Friday night, but that is reportedly where the forearm flare up occurred. Manager Dave Roberts said that he was feeling discomfort for a few days, but isn't concerned as the reliever will undergo an MRI.

Blake Treinen is going for an MRI, Dave Roberts said. Roberts said Treinen has been dealing with discomfort for a few days. Flared up on him last night. Not concerned at the moment but he will know more after the scans. https://t.co/DePLxXO9mO
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 19, 2025

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Phillips has been off the mound since Game 6 of the NLCS. It was later revealed that he had a tear in his rotator cuff which kept him out of the World Series.

“Man, those feelings that run through your body when you think it should have been you [going into the World Series] are really hard to deal with,” said Phillips, via the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett this spring. “I was having a really hard time at home handling it.”

After months of recovery, both mentally and physically, Phillips is looking to return to a team that desperately needs more relief pitching help.

Last season, the 30-year-old threw a 3.62 ERA over 61 games. He also boasted a 5-1 record along with a team-high 18 saves on the road to October.

When the reliever got to October, he allowed just three hits and no earned runs in five appearances. It certainly stung to not pitch in the World Series, but Phillips will hope that he gets another chance to throw the ball in the Fall Classic.

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For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.