The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a strong start to their World Series title defense, with the team holding one of the best records in the National League. Nevertheless, they have failed to shed the injury bug, especially with their pitching staff.
On Friday night, the Dodgers picked up a marvelous comeback win over the New York Yankees in the opening encounter of their three-game home series. However, they had announced a couple of key injury updates before the contest.
Evan Phillips Set for Tommy John Surgery, While Mookie Betts to Miss Series vs. Yankees
Evan Phillips will no longer be available for the Dodgers’ bullpen this year. The 30-year-old right-hander had already been shelved three weeks ago. He is now set to undergo Tommy John surgery next week and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Dodgers reliever had started the season on the IL with a partially torn rotator cuff before coming into the team in late April. He was initially diagnosed with right forearm discomfort on May 7, but MRI scans two days later revealed elbow inflammation.
“Evan tried to play catch a couple of days ago when we were on the road, and it didn’t go well, so he’s going to get Tommy John surgery on the 4th,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday. “Unfortunately, that’s going to be season-ending.”
“It’s surprising,” Roberts said. “More disappointed for Evan, but he just wasn’t responding to the rest and then [trying] to ramp back up. Ultimately, that was kind of the advice and the route he decided to go.”
Phillips is one of five high-leverage arms missing from the Dodgers’ bullpen. Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates are expected to return to the team within a couple of weeks, but Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol will be unavailable for a longer period.
Therefore, the Dodgers made a trade deal for former Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Díaz in exchange for minor league pitcher Matt Villani on Thursday. They transferred Phillips to the 60-day IL to make room for the new acquisition.
Evan Phillips will get Tommy John and his season is over pic.twitter.com/ofxqm53xcO
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 30, 2025
On the other hand, Mookie Betts was missing from the Dodgers’ lineup in the 8-5 win over the Yankees on Friday. The eight-time All-Star is likely to sit out the remaining two games of the series this weekend.
Roberts disclosed to reporters before the game that Betts had stubbed his toe at home on Wednesday. He is currently day-to-day and will undergo X-rays, as he felt too much pain to be able to take the field.
“Putting on a shoe today was difficult for him,” Roberts told Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times. “I know it’s at the tip of his toe, so it’s going to be one of those situations [that is] per his [pain] tolerance.”
“I don’t expect an IL. We’ll probably have him down for the series, and hopefully he’ll be available to hit in a big spot. And then we’ll kind of see. But I think for me right now it’s just day to day.”
Dave Roberts told reporters that Mookie Betts stubbed his toe at home on Wednesday night and will be getting x-rays after he was in too much discomfort to play tonight pic.twitter.com/MOYFXlLnWg
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 30, 2025
Betts is batting .254/.338/.405 this season with eight home runs, 31 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 111. Meanwhile, the Dodgers extended their record to 35-22 for the season to keep their noses in front in the NL West standings.