The Dodgers’ NLDS loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks wasn’t just a disaster on the field but turned out to be a catastrophe for one of LA’s biggest stars.
Thieves stole from a home belonging to Evan Phillips during the series sweep as the closer and his teammates suffered a second straight early postseason exit this October. TMZ sports had the scoop:
A home belonging to Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips was burglarized earlier this month while he was away trying to help Los Angeles win a playoff series … this according to cops. Law enforcement tells TMZ Sports … the break-in at Phillips’ L.A.-area pad happened at some point while he was competing against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series. We’re told one suspect smashed a rear window of Phillips’ place, entered the home … and then allegedly took jewelry and cash totaling over $10,000. So far, no arrests have been made … and an investigation remains ongoing.
via TMZ Sports
This is an extremely unfortunate turn of events for Phillips, and we hope that the police are able to get things sorted out sooner rather than later.
On the field, LA’s closer along with the rest of the bullpen did their part to keep the team within Games 2 and 3 of the series. Sadly, it just wasn’t enough for their poor starting pitching and offense to overcome.
Phillips joined the Dodgers in 2021 after Tampa unceremoniously dumped the journeyman reliever depart from their team.
The Rays’ loss turned out to be LA’s gain as pitching coach Mark Prior worked his magic and encouraged Phillips to use a sweeper alongside his fastball.
Such a transition paid off in spades as Phillips became one of baseball’s best relievers thanks to the new pitch mix.
Since 2022, the pitcher has a combined 1.59 ERA with 143 strikeouts and 26 saves over 124 innings of work as LA’s top high leverage option.
Phillips also unfortunately joined a less notable club through the robbery of his home after both Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman suffered similar fates earlier this season.
The event seems like a cruel twist of fate for a Dodgers team already reeling from another postseason of wasted potential.
Narratives around the Boys in Blue remain ugly after another 100-win regular season under Dave Roberts failed to net even a World Series appearance.
For what it’s worth, Phillips wasn’t at fault for such a problem but he remains part of an underwhelming team searching for plenty of answers this winter.
For now, though, all focus remains on Phillips’ home, as hopefully things get sorted out. But most importantly, it sounds like no one was harmed during the break in.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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