Dodgers' Bullpen Future in Focus: Phillips Out, But Reinforcements Are on the Way

It's the news no Dodgers fan wanted to hear confirmed: closer Evan Phillips is officially done for 2025. While his Tommy John surgery on June 4th made it a near certainty, the finality still stings. But in the world of the Dodgers, for every door that closes, another one creaks open. As the team navigates the post-Phillips era, a wave of potential bullpen reinforcements is working its way back, promising a very different look for the stretch run.

With closer Evan Phillips officially out for the season, the Dodgers are banking on the late-season return of key relievers like Brusdar Graterol and Kyle Hurt to fortify their championship push.

The Long Road Back

Losing an elite closer like Evan Phillips is a blow no team can easily absorb. His absence for the remainder of the season puts immense pressure on the current bullpen to hold the line. However, the latest updates from the training room provide a much-needed dose of optimism. Brusdar Graterol, recovering from his own right shoulder surgery, has resumed throwing and is targeting an August rehab assignment. His high-velocity sinker would be a massive addition. Meanwhile, Kyle Hurt, another Tommy John casualty, is back to throwing bullpen sessions. While his return is pegged for 'late 2025,' his high-strikeout potential could make him a secret weapon for the postseason. Even River Ryan is making progress, throwing off a mound, though he's a step behind the others. The race is on to see who can get back and contribute to a World Series run.

Churning the Roster for Depth

The front office isn't just waiting for players to get healthy; they're actively scouring the league for opportunities. The latest move saw the Dodgers claim right-handed pitcher Nick Nastrini off waivers from the Miami Marlins on July 11, designating Noah Davis for assignment to make room. This is a classic front office move: acquiring a young, controllable arm with upside. Nastrini has struggled in the majors but possesses intriguing stuff that the Dodgers' development machine will look to unlock. It's a low-risk gamble that provides immediate depth and another option as the team manages its pitching staff through the grueling second half.

As the Dodgers head towards the second half, the blueprint is becoming clearer. The current roster will need to bridge the gap until the trade deadline and the return of their injured arms. The Nastrini claim shows the front office will remain aggressive on the margins, but the real prize lies ahead. If Graterol and Hurt can return to form, they won't just be roster additions; they'll be the equivalent of major trade deadline acquisitions, potentially transforming the Dodgers' bullpen from a question mark into an exclamation point just in time for October.