LOS ANGELES — With only three starting pitchers, the Dodgers will rely heavily on their bullpen to defeat the New York Yankees and win the World Series. And they’ll have to accomplish it without one of their top relievers.
Evan Phillips suffered an arm injury in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series and was removed from the club’s roster announced Friday morning ahead of Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, according to a person familiar with the matter. That’s what it means.
His absence has been a serious blow. The right-handed pitcher appeared in 61 games during the regular season, posting a 3.62 ERA and 18 saves, and went 6 2/3 scoreless innings in five postseason games throughout the NLCS.
The good news for the Dodgers is that the team’s best left-hander, Alex Beshear, and infielder Miguel Rojas, who missed the NLCS due to injury, are on the roster. Brusdar Graterol, who did not pitch in the postseason, was also included. Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who was used as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch runner in the National League CS, was removed from the roster.
Beshear, who appeared in 67 games during the regular season and posted a 1.76 ERA, suffered an intercostal injury in the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres and was unable to play in the NL CS due to three scoreless innings. Ta. He was cleared to return after throwing 15 pitches in a live bullpen session on Wednesday.
Shoulder and hamstring injuries limited Graterol to just seven games in the regular season. The relief pitcher was tested in the playoffs, posting a 1.64 ERA in 22 postseason games.
Rojas has been sidelined from the field since being removed from Game 3 of the NLDS due to nagging adductor symptoms. The veteran began the postseason as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop, but NL MVP Tommy Edman moved to shortstop and starred against the New York Mets, and Quique Hernandez was given a chance to play in October. His role could change, given his continued excellence when given the role. every day after Rojas’ injury.
The Yankees have added Nestor Cortez, who left the team last month, to replace infielder John Barty from the AL Championship Series roster. Cortez has not pitched since September 18, ending the regular season with a flexor strain in his left forearm. He started 30 games during the regular season before returning to the club as a reliever with a 30-pitch restriction.
