Thursday, February 15, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
Thursday, Dodger manager Dave Roberts doesn’t name Evan Phillips as the Dodger closer but hints Phillips would get the bulk of the closing assignments. Most Dodger fans don’t know their favorite team’s bullpen will be a strength.
During this past offseason, the Dodgers were rumored to want either Josh Hader or Kenley Jansen. They didn’t acquire either proven closer, and they don’t need a proven closer.
In the 2023 season, Phillips was a successful closer with 24 saves and a 2.04 ERA. Before becoming a Dodger, he struggled with the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays who released Phillips.
Since becoming a Dodger, Phillips has been lights out. No, Phillips throws 99+ miles-per-hour like many modern closers, but he has an unhittable cutter and flawless control. In the playoffs from 2021, he has excelled, not allowing a run.
From afar, Phillips looks like a mild-mannered family man, but on the mound, he is a fierce competitor.
Roberts told reporters on Thursday, “I definitely don’t think it’s going to be like it was last year. I think with Evan, what he did in that role – he did a very nice job. I wouldn’t say (closer by) committee. It’s a good conversation. I don’t think we need to have it right now. I do see Evan doing the brunt of the closing of games. But I still believe it’s prudent to kind of keep that door open where if there’s opportunities in the eighth inning where I think he’s the best option to help us win a baseball game to do that. So I’m going to have a conversation with him. But I think our bullpen is going to be a strength.”
