Evan Phillips: Everything you need to know

Phillips is facing hitters for the first time Tuesday since undergoing Tommy John surgery, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. Phillips had surgery on his elbow in early June 2025. Before the 2026 season began, the reliever was eyeing a return in July or August. Now facing live hitters, he appears on track for a return on that time table.

Phillips (elbow) threw a bullpen session to a squatting catcher March 17, per MLB.com. Phillips had previously been throwing only to a standing catcher, so this was a notable step forward in his recovery from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last June. The righty reliever is beginning the season on the 60-day injured list and is expected to miss most of the season, though he could be ready for game action sometime in the second half.

Phillips (elbow) threw to a standing catcher "with noticeably more intensity" Tuesday, Courtney Hollmon of MLB.com reports. It's a small but tangible step for Phillips, who is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last June. The righty reliever has already been placed on the 60-day injured list, so he still has a long way to go before making it back to pitching in games. If all goes well for Phillips moving forward, he may be able to join the Dodgers' bullpen in July or August.