Dodgers News: Evan Phillips Not Quite Throwing His Best Relief Yet

The Dodger manager offers his assessment of his ace reliever.

Don't call him the closer, but... he's the closer. Evan Phillips has been great since coming to the Dodgers in a waiver wire deal in 2021. He's yet to allow a run in 4 outings this year but Dave Roberts thinks we still haven't his best this season.

Following Phillips's second save of the season, the Dodger manager shared that the right-hander is working through mechanical issues early in the season.

"Evan, he's still working through some things. He's still good enough that he's still throwing strikes and got another save. I trust him. But, there’s some things mechanically I think he’s working through to be more consistent with the throw. But, he’s as dependable as they come.”

One thing noticeable about Evan -- and this is being nitpicky -- is the velocity is a bit down to start the year. Not down a troubling amount, but lower than the high-90s he displayed during his electric campaign a season ago. Despite that, he leads the team with 2 saves and has allowed just 2 base runners over his 4 appearances.

Doc talked around the fact that Phillips is essentially the Dodgers' closer to open the season, even if they won't say it by name. And that's the right call for the team to make. Keep it fluid... don't put no labels on it.

Some clarity on the #Dodgers bullpen plans: On days everyone in the ‘pen is available, Dave Roberts said his preference is to save Evan Phillips for the ninth

But, he didn’t eliminate other possibilities for Phillips when needed as well

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 7, 2023

I was always taught to make the game "boring" when pitching, especially with the lead. Evan Phillips has mastered that & has become Mr. Automatic. He's 2 for 2 on saves this year, has yet to give up a run, & didn't give up a run in his last 26 of 27 outings last year. #dodgers pic.twitter.com/vowe6rkHr2

— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) April 7, 2023