Evan can’t wait: Why Evan Phillips’ de facto closer role is burning the Dodgers
LA TimesDodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips delivers against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 6. Phillips was the ultimate fireman in 2022, a right-handed weapon that manager Dave Roberts deployed from the sixth through eighth innings to douse fires or mute the middle of an opposing lineup while leaving the final inning or two to closer Craig Kimbrel and setup man Daniel Hudson before Hudson’s season-ending knee injury in June. The team’s lack of bullpen depth was exposed again in the decisive seventh inning of Monday night’s 8-6 loss to the New York Mets, when left-hander Alex Vesia and right-hander Phil Bickford combined to give up three runs and four hits to turn a one-run lead into a two-run deficit. “I felt good with Alex going there and taking down one or two outs, potentially with three hitters, and having Phil behind him, but it didn’t work out.” Vesia, who has a 12.60 ERA in seven games, actually entered in the sixth to face the left-handed-hitting Daniel Vogelbach with a runner on second base, two outs and the score tied 5-5. Home plate umpire Mark Ripperger talks with Dodgers reliever Phil Bickford after calling a balk on him as catcher Austin Wynns, left, and third baseman Max Muncy listen during the seventh inning Monday.
History of this topic
Evan Phillips regained command of his arsenal. He’s also regained Dodgers’ trust
LA Times
Dodgers bullpen again falters in walk-off loss to the Astros
LA Times
Amid struggles, Evan Phillips has a tenuous hold on Dodgers’ closer role
LA Times
Dodgers notes: Evan Phillips’ return is ‘pretty exciting’ development for bullpen
LA Times
How the Dodgers’ Alex Vesia found his way back into a high-leverage role in the bullpen
LA TimesDodgers place closer Evan Phillips on injured list with hamstring strain and activate Blake Treinen
Associated Press
Dodgers closer Evan Phillips put on 15-day injured list
LA Times
Dodgers closer Evan Phillips has a new challenge: ‘You can’t replicate postseason pressure’
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Dodgers’ bullpen is a statistical mess. Here’s what’s working and what isn’t
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Dodgers ‘still trying to find our footing’ with bullpen performances, late-game plan
LA Times
Dodgers Dugout: Will the next Dodgers closer please stand up?
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With Craig Kimbrel demoted, who will be next Dodgers closer?
LA Times
Dodgers relievers playing games in the bullpen, saving games on the mound
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Eddie Rosario gives the Braves all they need to beat Dodgers
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Commentary: MLB’s worst team didn’t want him. Now, Evan Phillips is the Dodgers’ unsung hero
LA Times
Column: Dodgers won't suffer a letdown against weaker Braves
LA Times
Kenley Jansen still the Dodgers’ go-to closer? Not so fast, Dave Roberts says
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