In a disappointing blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team announced that right-hander Evan Phillips has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. Phillips suffered the injury during a routine catch while his spike got caught in the outfield grass. The club is hopeful that Phillips will only need a minimum stint on the shelf.

Phillips, 29, has been an indispensable asset to the Dodgers' bullpen this season. With an impressive 0.66 ERA in 13 2/3 innings of work, he has notched eight saves alongside a 1.32 FIP and an impressive 30.9% strikeout rate. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, as the bullpen has struggled overall with a collective 4.19 FIP and a below-average groundball rate.

The Dodgers' relief corps has also faced challenges in striking out batters, with only the Giants, Diamondbacks, and Rockies posting lower strikeout rates. Adding to their woes is the fact that the bullpen has been heavily relied upon this season, having thrown 142 2/3 innings so far, second only to the Miami Marlins.

With Phillips out of the picture, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed uncertainty regarding who will take over the closer's role. Daniel Hudson seems to be the most logical choice, having worked as the team's primary set-up man this season and showcasing a decent 3.60 ERA in 15 appearances. However, Hudson has recently blown back-to-back save opportunities and has allowed four home runs this year. Joe Kelly, who has struggled with a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings, has also been part of the set-up crew for Phillips.

The return of veteran right-hander Blake Treinen from the injured list could bring some stability to the closer's role. Treinen has been a reliable arm for the Dodgers, boasting a remarkable 2.45 ERA and 3.00 FIP with a 27.6% strikeout rate and a 56.2% groundball rate over 103 innings in a Dodgers uniform. He has experience as a successful closer, most notably during the 2018 season when he posted a remarkable 0.78 ERA for the Oakland Athletics while recording 38 saves.

However, it's important to note that Treinen's role as a closer may be a challenge, considering his limited game time since the end of the 2021 season and his appearance on a big league mound dating back to 2022, with only five innings of work. In the event that Phillips' injury proves to be minor, the club may opt for a closer-by-committee approach, allowing Treinen occasional save opportunities alongside pitchers such as Daniel Hudson, Alex Vesia, and potentially Michael Grove.

The Dodgers will certainly feel the absence of Evan Phillips in their dominant bullpen. As they navigate his absence and possibilities for the closer's role, they will rely on their depth and talent to maintain their strong performance.