Dodgers tragically lose key reliever to Tommy John surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost a valuable reliever for the season to Tommy John surgery.

30-year-old right-hander Evan Phillips was sent to the 60-day IL on Thursday with forearm soreness. He received a PRP injection for the soreness, per Dodgers Nation’s Valentina Martinez.

When Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed Phillips’ IL plan, Roberts emphasized how important Phillips was to the team.

“It’s inflammation in his elbow so it’s just going to take some time,” Roberts said, per Martinez. “We’re going to take some time with Evan because as we said from the outset he’s so valuable going forward we have to be mindful and cautious with the buildup.”

But Friday brought worst-case news: Phillips will need to undergo Tommy John, and he’ll miss the remainder of the season.

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In 5 2/3 innings this year, Phillips did not allow a run. Last season, the reliever tallied a 3.62 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings pitched.

Roberts and the Dodgers were exercising caution with Phillips’s usage this year to preserve him for October, but sadly, those efforts were spent in vain.

Now, Los Angeles will need its other bullpen arms to step up. Don’t be surprised to see the Dodgers shopping around Major League Baseball for additional ‘pen help before the July 31 trade deadline.

The Dodgers entered Friday with a 34-22 record, two games ahead of the San Diego Padres and three games ahead of the San Francisco Giants in the National League West.

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