After surgeries kept them from helping the Dodgers in last year's postseason, relievers Evan Phillips and Brock Stewart are now key bullpen pieces. Manager Dave Roberts says he'd trust either with an October save opportunity, alongside other relievers.
Phillips returned in July from Tommy John surgery and was initially used cautiously; since August, he has a 2.30 ERA and 2.46 FIP. In 28 games, he has 28 strikeouts and three unintentional walks. Stewart has a 2.45 ERA and 2.53 xERA in 27 games, but three injured-list stints for shoulder surgery, a left-foot bone spur and shoulder discomfort have cost him 95 games this season.
Phillips has allowed no runs in 12 Dodgers postseason appearances, spanning 15⅓ innings, with 21 strikeouts. Stewart's only playoff experience was three games for Minnesota in 2023. Roberts also mentioned Tanner Scott and newly activated Roki Sasaki as possible save options.
