In a season with an injury-cursed rotation, the Dodgers bullpen saved Los Angeles several times throughout the year. In the postseason, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts strategically utilized new relief pitchers nearly every inning, keeping opponents on their toes.

One of the Dodgers’ most reliable relievers was right-hander Evan Phillips. He logged a 3.62 ERA and 18 saves in 61 regular season games. In the last four consecutive postseasons with Los Angeles, Phillips has not allowed a single run in a total of 15.1 innings.

But, Phillips did not pitch an inning of the World Series. The Dodgers left Phillips off the World Series roster after he endured a shoulder injury in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

Fortunately, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman gave a promising update on the health status of the 30-year-old. Although he has not started a throwing program, Phillips is healthy and will not undergo surgery. He will also be ready to pitch by Spring Training.

Besides a right hamstring strain in May, Phillips remained healthy throughout the regular season. The postseason injury forced Phillips to exit Game 6 of the NLCS after one inning.

Unlike Phillips, multiple Dodgers have undergone surgery this offseason. First baseman Freddie Freeman had surgery on his right ankle to address an injury sustained in a series against the San Diego Padres in late September. The Dodgers expect Freeman to be recovered for Spring Training.

Additionally, designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had surgery to fix a torn labrum. Ohtani is also expected to be healthy by Spring Training but will not rush to make his Dodgers debut on the mound.