NL West: Phillips looks to lock down closer role

Los Angeles Dodgers

There was much speculation this off-season about the Dodgers potentially signing free agent Josh Hader or trading for Kenley Jansen to be their closer, but with Hader signing with the Astros and spring training now into its third week, Evan Phillips is fully expected to enter the season as the Dodgers primary closer.  After garnering 24 of the team’s 44 saves in 2023, Phillips is expected to receive “the brunt” of ninth inning save chances this season according to manager Dave Roberts.  

In 2023, Phillips built on his success in a setup role the prior year, pitching to a 2.07 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with a 22% K-BB% over 61 IP.  A second half rise in xERA from 2.92 to 3.97, a drop in K% from 31% to 24%, and a Vel...

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