Evan Phillips and Brock Stewart, two right-handers who were stuck on the sidelines recovering from surgeries this time last year, are now front and center as key pieces in a deep Dodgers bullpen. Can you even believe it? These guys, who couldn’t contribute during the stretch run and postseason last year, are an important part of the October puzzle for the Dodgers right now. Talk about a comeback story!
Phillips Is Absolutely DEALING After Tommy John
Let’s talk about Evan Phillips first. He went down with Tommy John surgery way back in June 2025. That wiped out the entire back half of last season for him, and then the first half of *this* season too. Brutal, right? When he finally returned from the injured list in July, the Dodgers were super cautious, and rightfully so. For his first four weeks back, they didn’t even use him on back-to-back days, and he only pitched on one day of rest four times during that stretch. The results were a bit spotty at first, with runs allowed in five of his first seven appearances, including an uncharacteristic four home runs in such a short span. But man, has he flipped a switch! Since then, Phillips has allowed runs in only three of his last 21 appearances. The only homer he’s given up was last Monday to Elly De La Cruz, which honestly seems like a rite of passage for everyone these days.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it best recently: “Evan as you would expect, the first handful of outings were inconsistent coming off Tommy John, but I’d say the last [few] have been kind of who he is, and it’s been fun to see.” Roberts highlighted his two-seamer, four-seamer, and some sweepers getting “awkward swings” and “chase,” noting his command has been a lot better. Phillips has racked up 28 strikeouts against only three unintentional walks in his 28 games. Since the start of August, the Dodgers have been using him more aggressively too, pitching him on back-to-back days five times, and he’s even pitched three times in four days in three different stretches. During that span, he’s rocking a 2.30 ERA and a 2.46 FIP. Phillips himself appreciates the approach, saying, “It’s been great so far, and I definitely feel like I’m coming closer and closer to that best version of myself that I have been and continue to strive to be.” That’s the fire you want to see!
Stewart Is Back to His Best on the Mound
Then there’s Brock Stewart. This guy was a sixth-round draft pick for the Dodgers way back in 2014 and was reacquired by the team at the 2025 trade deadline. He only got to pitch in four games before he had to go under the knife for right shoulder debridement surgery last September. Talk about tough luck! But just like Phillips, Stewart is making some serious noise this year. The right-hander has a 2.45 ERA and a 2.53 xERA in his 27 games. He’s punched out 24 batters and walked just seven unintentionally in 25 2/3 innings. And get this: he threw a scoreless first inning to kick off Tuesday night’s bullpen-game shutout against the San Diego Padres.
Roberts summed it up perfectly when he said, “When Brock’s healthy, he’s as good as anyone we have.” He added that for them, it’s just about managing him the right way and keeping him strong. That kind of talent coming out of the bullpen is exactly what a team needs heading into the postseason.
With Phillips and Stewart both healthy and dealing, the Dodgers bullpen just got a massive boost at the exact right time. These two veteran right-handers are making all the difference, giving the team some serious depth and some crucial arms for the stretch run and whatever October throws at them. It’s going to be a wild ride, and these guys are ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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