GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Evan Phillips still has a long way to go on the road to recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he's glad to know that it ends at Dodger Stadium.
The veteran righty reliever re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $6.5 million contract a few days before pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training. Phillips had been non-tendered in November as L.A. looked to give itself more roster flexibility in the offseason, but the team had been upfront about its interest in bringing him back on a new deal.
The Dodgers weren't the only team who checked in on Phillips, who blossomed into an effective late-inning arm after L.A. claimed him off waivers in 2021.
"It was nice to see that I was being measured up to that way, that people sought me out as that kind of impact player, and I certainly hope I can contribute in that way," Phillips said on Sunday. "I have all the confidence in the world with a new elbow that I’ll be able to get back there."
Phillips made only seven appearances in 2025, having started the season on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain, an injury that had lingered from the previous World Series run. His season ended due to Tommy John surgery in June. It left the Dodgers without one of their most reliable back-end relievers, as Phillips had posted a 2.22 ERA with 45 saves over five seasons in L.A.
Through the postseason, Phillips remained with the Dodgers. His fellow relievers were happy to have him around, and he tried to be a resource for them, finding ways to contribute off the mound. Not long after L.A. successfully defended its title, Phillips reached an important milestone by beginning a throwing progression in early November. Later that month, he hit free agency after being non-tendered, which was not altogether unexpected.
As he went through free agency, Phillips continued to rehab his elbow. He remains on schedule and is set to begin a mound progression on Tuesday, starting with throwing off the slope to a standing catcher. He hopes to progress to full bullpen sessions at some point in March.
With several milestones to hit, Phillips could feasibly be ready around July or August, but he's not setting a hard timeline for his return. The Dodgers are not rushing to get him back, with their sights set on being at full strength for the postseason.
"He's feeling really good, throwing looks great, body looks great," general manager Brandon Gomes said. "I think it's just being mindful and viewing him almost as like a Trade Deadline acquisition in some way, shape or form."
Being welcomed back to the Dodgers has been a joyful yet slightly strange experience for Phillips. Even though he was a free agent for a couple of months, he feels like he never left.
"It felt weird to get all the handshakes and hugs," Phillips said. "It’s just another Spring Training to me."