When Will Evan Phillips Return and Be Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

Relief pitcher Evan Phillips has battled through a lot to get to where he is today. He started his MLB career back in 2018 but really struggled to be a consistent bullpen arm for the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays in his first few years.

However, after he was traded from the Rays to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, Phillips has become unstoppable in the later innings. The right-hander, though, hasn't been able to contribute to the team in recent weeks due to a hamstring issue.

So, when will Phillips be back? Will he be out for much longer? Let's dive in and find out.

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Evan Phillips Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

Phillips surprisedly went on the 15-day injured list on May 5 after experiencing some hamstring tightness in his most recent appearance on May 3. Everything appeared to be fine for the right-hander in that 11-pitch outing against the Braves, where he threw nine strikes and struck out one batter.

However, the Dodgers eventually placed the 29-year-old on the injured list. Since the move was retroactive to May 3, Phillips has been eligible to return to the active roster for a couple of days now, but it appears he is still at least one week away from returning.

Evan Phillips on his hamstring strain: "Fortunately it's about as mild as it could get, so hopefully the road to recovery is smooth and simple." pic.twitter.com/s0DSVH6aBl

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 5, 2024

Phillips threw two bullpen sessions last week and will now head on a rehab assignment. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the closer is expected to make two to three rehab appearances before being activated from the 15-day IL. If everything checks out, fantasy managers could expect the right-hander back sometime in Week 10 (May 27 to June 2).

Evan Phillips Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Since earning the closer role for the Dodgers in 2023, Phillips has been one of the best late-inning relievers. He converted 24-of-27 save opportunities last year to go with a 2.05 ERA and 66 strikeouts. This season, the 29-year-old is a perfect 8-for-8 on save chances and has a 0.66 ERA in 14 appearances.

As a result, if a fantasy manager in your league dropped Phillips, you should immediately scoop him up. He has emerged as one of the best closers in the game and has been automatic in the ninth inning for the Dodgers.

A few injury notes from Dave Roberts:

- Dustin May has started throwing off a mound.
- Joe Kelly started his throwing progression today.
- Evan Phillips will need a 2-3 game rehab assignment. Could be back in 7-10 days.
- Bobby Miller’s three-inning sim game is tomorrow.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 20, 2024

Being the closer for the Dodgers certainly is a big advantage, especially in fantasy. Upon his return, Phillips should continue to see a ton of opportunities in the ninth-inning of tight games. If he is on your waiver wire, pick him up now because the right-hander should be back in the coming week.

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