Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

With the first workout of pitchers and catchers on Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed right-handed reliever Evan Phillips to a $6.1 million one-year deal and DFAed catcher Ben Rortvedt.

Since 2021, when the Dodgers picked up Phillips off waivers, he has been a mainstay in the Dodger bullpen until last June, when he had Tommy John surgery. He is expected to be able to pitch after the All-Star break.

The Dodgers have a loaded bullpen with Edwin Dìaz, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer, and Ben Casperius. They expect Brusdar Graterol to be back after missing the entire 2025 season with shoulder surgery in November 2024. At some point this season, Brock Stewart should be in the mix after having shoulder surgery in October.

But over the years, Andrew Friedman has learned that the Dodgers can’t have too much pitching. Every season, the main question for the Dodgers is the health of their pitching staff. This upcoming season is no exception.

It is clear that the Dodgers want Rortvedt, but they have no room on the 40-man roster. They hope Rortvedt will pass through waivers, so they can send him to the minors.