The Dodgers are bringing back one of their most trusted bullpen arms - Evan Phillips - on a one-year, $6.5 million deal, the team announced Wednesday. To make room on the 40-man roster, catcher Ben Rortvedt has been designated for assignment.
Phillips’ return isn’t without some risk, but it’s a calculated one - and one the Dodgers clearly feel is worth taking. The 31-year-old right-hander is coming off Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in late May of last year. The Dodgers had non-tendered him in November, but this new deal signals their continued belief in his ability to impact games late when it matters most.
And there’s good reason for that belief.
Phillips’ journey to becoming one of the most dominant relievers in baseball didn’t start with a bang. He was a waiver claim from the Rays back in 2021 - a move that didn’t turn many heads at the time.
But by 2022, Phillips had flipped the script in a big way. That season, he posted a jaw-dropping 1.14 ERA over 63 innings, striking out a third of the batters he faced while walking just 6.4%.
His four-seamer and sinker both sat comfortably in the mid-90s, and he quickly became one of manager Dave Roberts’ most trusted arms in high-leverage spots.
By 2023, he wasn’t just a setup man - he was the closer. And he thrived in that role, delivering a 2.05 ERA with 24 saves and a sparkling 5.6% walk rate.
From 2022 through 2024, Phillips was about as reliable as they come in the late innings: a 2.21 ERA, 44 saves, 34 holds, and just nine blown saves across three seasons. He struck out nearly 30% of hitters during that stretch while keeping walks to a minimum.
His 2025 campaign was off to a promising start, too - 5 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts - before the elbow injury shut him down. The Tommy John procedure likely keeps him out until mid-2026, with a possible return around the All-Star break. If all goes well, the Dodgers could essentially be adding a playoff-caliber reliever at the trade deadline without giving up a single prospect.
That’s where this deal becomes particularly intriguing. There’s always uncertainty with a pitcher coming off major surgery, but the upside is clear. If Phillips returns to form, he’s a game-changer in October - and for the Dodgers, that’s the month that matters most.
Of course, this isn’t a cheap bet. Because the Dodgers are deep into luxury tax territory, Phillips’ $6.5 million salary comes with a 110% tax, effectively costing the team $13.65 million.
But this is the Dodgers we’re talking about. They’ve shown time and again that they’re willing to spend to win, and this move fits that mold.
As for Ben Rortvedt, his future is once again up in the air. The Dodgers had claimed him earlier this offseason after the Reds designated him for assignment, hoping to stash him in Triple-A as catching depth.
That plan may still be in play - if he clears waivers. But that’s far from guaranteed.
Rortvedt’s appeal is clear: he’s a strong defensive catcher with a solid eye at the plate, traits that teams value in a backup or third-string role. But his offensive profile has limited his staying power on a big league roster.
In 633 MLB plate appearances, he’s hit just .190/.279/.270, with high strikeout rates and minimal power. His Triple-A numbers - .239/.328/.412 - are better, but still not enough to guarantee a roster spot.
Because he’s out of minor league options, any team that claims him would need to keep him on the big league roster or risk going through this same DFA process again. The Dodgers are hoping he clears this time so they can keep him in the system as depth.
They’ll have a maximum of seven days to figure it out - five days to trade or waive him, and 48 hours for waivers to resolve.
In the meantime, the headline is clear: Evan Phillips is back in Dodger Blue. And if his recovery stays on track, he could be a key piece in yet another October push.