Dodgers News: Longtime MLB Catcher Called Evan Phillips Slider The Best He’s Ever Seen

High praise for the reliever!

Despite all the struggles of the Dodgers bullpen this season, there have been some bright spots, one main one being the continued success of reliever Evan Phillips. His production on the mound has really helped the team as they try and navigate these uncertain waters. Phillips hasn't always found success out on the diamond but he seems to be getting appreciation from those on his team and those that play against his

Current Cincinnati Reds catcher Curt Casali had some kind words to say about Phillips and what he's seen from him through his career. 

“I remember that year, a text from Curt Casali with the Giants,” Gomes said. “Like: ‘What is this? That’s like the best slider I’ve ever seen.’ So he had always had that — that was his superpower — and it speaks to his aptitude and openness to work with our pitching group to add the cutter and bring back the two-seamer as he’s gone along.”

Per The New York Times

Casali has been around for a while and has seen many pitchers in his time so for him to give that type of praise just means that Phillips is doing something right. His stuff can be electric out on the mound and opponents typically struggle to meet the challenge. Phillips has turned his career around and has become one of the better relief pitchers in the game.

So far this season, Phillips has an ERA of 2.36 with seven saves for the Dodgers. He has given the team a legit option to use in different spots and it has been a savior for manager Dave Roberts. 

“He commands a strike zone, he has different weapons to get guys out, and he is completely neutral,” Roberts said, referring to Phillips’s strength against both left- and right-handers. “I don’t need information to know that he’s always the best option. And so now with that, it’s: When do you deploy that silver bullet that you have?”

Per The New York Times

Roberts has often said that Phillips is always the go to guy when needed but unfortunately, he can't always be deployed. They do have to limit him otherwise they face issues such as fatigue and injury. But when Phillips enters the game, he normally gets the job done for them. 

I don't know where the Dodgers bullpen would be without Evan Phillips.

He throws two scoreless innings in the 9th and 10th innings, stranding the ghost runner at third in the 10th.

This game is tied at 4 heading into the bottom of the 10th. Jason Heyward starts at second base.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 16, 2023

As the season goes on, the team will continue to rely on Phillips heavily. He will be a key component for the club's run to the playoffs and hopefully, another World Series title.