TL;DR - Scouting Report
Dodgers Bullpen Faces Injury Crunch: Evan Phillips inches closer to returning, while Michael Kopech remains in a holding pattern and Tony Gonsolin progresses slowly from back tightness.
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!Evan Phillips Nearing a Return
Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips is officially back on a mound. The right-hander faced live hitters on Saturday and is set for another bullpen session in Anaheim early this week as he works his way back from the right shoulder strain that ended his 2024 postseason.
Phillips said the recovery feels like a spring training reset. He expects to need five-to-six outings before he’s ready to come off the injured list — making late April a realistic target for his return.
He’ll be at Dodger Stadium for the team’s championship ring ceremony on Friday night before the game against the Tigers.
Phillips, 30, went 5-1 with a 3.62 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 1.189 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 in 61 games during the 2024 season, recording 18 saves. He was terrific in the postseason, going 2-0 in 6.2 scoreless innings pitched, allowing three hits, striking out six and walking three batters.
Michael Kopech Still Stalled
The news is less optimistic for Michael Kopech. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called his status a “holding pattern,” as the righty remains on the shelf with a shoulder impingement that’s lingered since late last season.
It’s not technically a setback, but Roberts admitted Kopech’s offseason illness derailed his ramp-up, and he hasn’t progressed in recent weeks.
Kopech’s role — once pegged as a high-leverage weapon — remains up in the air.
After being traded to the Dodgers at the end of July, Kopech, 28, was electric, going 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA, 2.54 FIP, 0.792 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 in 24 appearances. He recorded six saves.
Tony Gonsolin Working Back Slowly
Tony Gonsolin continues to recover from back tightness and will throw a bullpen session this week. Roberts says the righty is “progressing nicely,” though no firm timetable has been set.
The Dodgers are leaning heavily on a rotation and bullpen filled with elite arms — but as April opens, they’re still waiting on three key pieces to fall into place.
Gonsolin, 31, last pitched in 2023, going 8-5 with a 4.98 ERA, 5.43 FIP, 1.223 WHIP and 7.2 K/9 in 20 starts.
Your Turn: Which Dodgers reliever will be the unsung hero of the bullpen in 2025? Tell us below in the comments.
