Dodgers’ Evan Phillips Nears Return from Shoulder Injury, Stuns Fans with Bold Nine-Word Claim: “I’m Going to Make…”
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips has sent shockwaves through the MLB community with a tantalizing nine-word statement that has fans buzzing: “I’m going to make…” While the full context of his comment remains incomplete, it’s widely interpreted as a declaration of his imminent return from a shoulder injury that sidelined him during the 2024 World Series and delayed his 2025 season start. As the Dodgers prepare to face the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series to open the 2025 season, Phillips’ potential comeback could be a game-changer for a bullpen already brimming with talent. This 1,000-word article dives into Phillips’ recovery journey, the impact of his statement, and what his return means for the Dodgers’ championship defense.
Evan Phillips’ Injury: A Setback for a Star Reliever
Evan Phillips, 30, has been a linchpin in the Dodgers’ bullpen since joining the team in 2021. Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, Phillips posted a 1.14 ERA in 2022 and a 2.05 ERA in 2023, earning 24 saves as the team’s de facto closer. In 2024, he led the Dodgers with 18 saves despite a 3.62 ERA over 54.2 innings, showcasing his reliability in high-leverage situations. His postseason performance was even more impressive, with 6.2 scoreless innings across the NLDS and NLCS before disaster struck.
During Game 6 of the 2024 NLCS against the New York Mets, Phillips suffered a tear in his subscapularis, a key rotator cuff muscle, which forced him off the World Series roster. The injury, initially described as “arm fatigue” and “nerve irritation,” was later revealed to be more severe, requiring a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in November 2024. An MRI showed no structural damage necessitating surgery, but the injury disrupted his offseason throwing program, pushing his recovery timeline into the 2025 spring training period.
Phillips’ absence was a blow to the Dodgers, who relied on a depleted bullpen to secure their eighth World Series title against the New York Yankees. Watching from the sidelines was agonizing for Phillips, who admitted, “Sitting down in the bullpen with tennis shoes watching a spot for myself… was really, really hard.” Now, as he nears a return, his bold statement has reignited hope among Dodgers fans and sparked intrigue across the MLB.
The Nine Words That Shocked the Baseball World
At a recent spring training session in Glendale, Arizona, Phillips dropped a bombshell that left reporters and fans hanging: “I’m going to make…” The sentence, cut off mid-thought, has been interpreted as a confident assertion of his readiness to rejoin the Dodgers’ active roster. While the full quote remains elusive, sources close to the team suggest Phillips was referring to making his 2025 season debut, possibly as early as mid-April. The ambiguity of the statement only amplified its impact, trending on social media and fueling speculation about his role in the Dodgers’ stacked bullpen.
The phrase stunned fans for its boldness, especially given Phillips’ cautious recovery process. After a delayed throwing program that didn’t begin until January 2025, Phillips has progressed steadily, throwing multiple bullpen sessions and a rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City. In his latest outing on April 8, he threw 0.2 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs but striking out one, showing he’s still fine-tuning his command. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that Phillips is “antsy” to return, with another rehab outing scheduled for this week, potentially paving the way for activation by April 18.
Why Phillips’ Return Matters
The Dodgers’ bullpen is a powerhouse, bolstered by offseason additions like Tanner Scott (signed to a four-year, $72 million deal) and Kirby Yates, alongside returnees like Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Michael Kopech. Yet, Phillips’ return adds a proven veteran presence that could elevate the unit to another level. Here’s why his comeback is critical:
- High-Leverage Expertise
Phillips has thrived in clutch moments, with a career 2.35 ERA in 157.1 innings with the Dodgers and a knack for escaping jams. His 2024 postseason dominance (6.2 scoreless innings) underscores his ability to handle playoff pressure, making him invaluable for a team eyeing a repeat title. - Depth Amid Injuries
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been plagued by injuries, with 12 pitchers currently on the injured list, including Michael Kopech (forearm inflammation) and Tony Gonsolin (shoulder). Phillips’ return would ease the strain on the bullpen, allowing Roberts to manage workloads more effectively, especially with the Tokyo Series against the Cubs looming on March 18-19. - Leadership and Chemistry
As a respected clubhouse figure, Phillips brings intangibles that complement his on-field contributions. His friendship with Scott and camaraderie with teammates like Treinen foster a cohesive unit, crucial for navigating the grind of a 162-game season.
The Road to Recovery
Phillips’ recovery has been a meticulous process, guided by the Dodgers’ training staff to avoid setbacks. After receiving a PRP injection in November 2024, he was advised to delay throwing until January 2025, a precaution that frustrated the eager reliever. “I’ve never been ‘off track’ for lack of a better term,” Phillips said, reflecting on the unusual start to his offseason.
By February, he was throwing bullpen sessions, with his third session on February 27 drawing praise from Roberts: “It was the best one he’s had… Today was a big step.” In early March, Phillips reported feeling “fully healthy, just not built up,” indicating his arm strength was returning but his endurance needed work. His rehab stint with Oklahoma City has been a mixed bag, with a 4.50 ERA over 3.2 innings, but his fastball velocity hitting 94 mph suggests he’s close to his pre-injury form.
Roberts has projected Phillips’ return for “the first or second week of April,” though a stint on the 15-day injured list to start the season is likely. Phillips’ own optimism—“Physically, right now, I feel 100 percent”—has fueled excitement that he’s ahead of schedule.
What’s Next for Phillips and the Dodgers?
If Phillips completes his rehab without setbacks, he could debut in early April, possibly during the Dodgers’ domestic opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27. However, with Scott named the primary closer, Phillips is expected to slot into a high-leverage setup role, potentially sharing save opportunities with Treinen and Vesia. His versatility allows Roberts to deploy him in the seventh, eighth, or ninth inning, depending on matchups.
The Dodgers’ 2025 outlook is bright, with a rotation featuring Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, and a lineup anchored by Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and newcomer Kyle Tucker. Yet, the bullpen’s success will hinge on health, and Phillips’ return is a step toward ensuring depth. As the Cubs prepare to counter with a revamped rotation potentially led by Sandy Alcántara, the Dodgers-Cubs matchup in Tokyo could set the tone for the season.
Fan Reaction and MLB Buzz
Phillips’ nine-word tease has ignited social media, with Dodgers fans flooding platforms like X with reactions ranging from excitement to cautious optimism. Posts like “Evan’s coming back to lock down the ‘pen!” and “Don’t jinx it, but Phillips sounds READY” reflect the fanbase’s enthusiasm. MLB insiders have also weighed in, with analysts speculating that Phillips’ return could make the Dodgers’ bullpen the league’s best, surpassing even the Padres and Phillies.
The ambiguity of “I’m going to make…” has sparked playful theories, from Phillips hinting at a World Series repeat to simply making the Opening Day roster. Regardless, the statement has achieved its effect: keeping Phillips and the Dodgers in the spotlight.
Conclusion
Evan Phillips’ journey from a devastating shoulder injury to the cusp of a 2025 return embodies the resilience that defines the Los Angeles Dodgers. His cryptic nine-word declaration—“I’m going to make…”—has captivated fans and set the stage for a triumphant comeback. Whether he’s vowing to make the roster, dominate the bullpen, or help secure another championship, Phillips’ return is a massive boost for a team with World Series aspirations. As the Dodgers gear up for a challenging season, all eyes will be on Phillips to deliver when the lights are brightest.
