LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers’ bullpen is about to get a major boost.
The Dodgers activated right-hander Evan Phillips from the 60-day injured list on Monday prior to their series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Right-hander Paul Gervase was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City and left-hander Jake Eder was released to make room on the 40-man roster.
Phillips, 31, has been out since having Tommy John surgery in May 2025. The longtime setup man and part-time closer spent the past month rehabbing at OKC and posted a 1.80 ERA in 12 appearances.
“I’m excited to get back out there,” Phillips said. “I was here for a live BP a month and a half ago and took a moment then to appreciate being back at Dodger Stadium, but it’s gonna be a lot different getting back out there in a competitive game with a full atmosphere. So really excited about that.”
Phillips has posted a 2.22 ERA over parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, emerging as one of their best and most reliable relievers. He has recorded 45 saves and has been particularly dominant in the postseason, holding opponents scoreless in 12 playoff appearances.
With Tanner Scott holding down the closer role and Edgardo Henriquez and Alex Vesia pitching effectively as setup men, the Dodgers plan to ease Phillips back in before returning him to a high-leverage role.
“I think that we’ve gotten better today,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “The question is what role I’ll use Evan, but we’ll just kind of see how the game goes and see the leverage. He’s pitched in big ballgames for us, but we’ll probably start a little bit slower.”
Phillips’ fastball sat at 95-97 mph over his final appearances at Oklahoma City, in line with his top-end velocity. He overcame the final hurdle by successfully handling back-to-back games near the end of his rehab.
“I feel like probably the past two weeks or so really took a good turn in my rehab,” Phillips said. “Started bouncing back even better, pitching more like myself, feeling more like myself. So really just happy to carry that over to these games.”
SNELL, DIAZ PROGRESSING
Left-hander Blake Snell and right-handed reliever Edwin Diaz are both scheduled to throw this week as they progress in their returns from elbow surgery.
Snell will throw either a bullpen session or live batting practice this weekend, Roberts said. Diaz is set to throw his second live BP on Wednesday.
Assuming all goes well in his next session, Diaz will begin a rehab assignment after the All-Star break and could return by the end of the month. The three-time All-Star closer has not pitched since April 19 after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow.
Snell still does not have a timetable to return, although one should come into focus after this weekend. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has been out since May 9 after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow.
ROBINSON DFA’d
The Dodgers added right-hander Carlos Duran to the 40-man roster and designated catcher Chuckie Robinson for assignment on Monday.
Duran is 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA in 30 appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He originally signed with the Dodgers as an international amateur in 2018, was traded to the Athletics last season, and re-signed with the Dodgers on a minor-league deal in December.
Robinson, 31, went 2 for 23 in eight games as the backup catcher behind Dalton Rushing. He lost his spot when Eliezer Alfonso was called up from Triple-A on July 4.
UP NEXT
Rockies (RHP Michael Lorenzen, 3-9, 6.91 ERA) at Dodgers (LHP Justin Wrobleski, 10-2, 2.80 ERA), Tuesday, 7:10 p.m., SNLA, 570 AM