**Dodgers Face Challenge with Evan Phillips' Absence in World Series Bid**

In what should have been a celebration of upgrades with Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol rejoining the bullpen, the Los Angeles Dodgers were met with a setback as key reliever Evan Phillips was ruled out for the World Series due to arm fatigue. Phillips, who experienced the issue during his appearance in Game 6 of the NLCS, has not recovered as hoped during the four-day break between series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed the team's disappointment and emphasized the importance of Phillips' health. "Not having Evan available for this series certainly is disappointing," said Roberts. "We've got to make sure we protect him, short term, long term."

Phillips has been a dependable force in the Dodgers bullpen since being claimed off waivers late in the 2021 season. Boasting a 2.28 ERA and a 29-percent strikeout rate over his tenure with the team, Phillips has also been stellar in postseason play. He has yet to allow a run over 15⅓ innings in his 12 career postseason appearances, with 6⅔ scoreless innings already pitched this October.

During Game 6 against the Mets, Phillips had hoped to contribute another inning, but the coaching staff opted for caution. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior and manager Dave Roberts decided against it to avoid further risk.

Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, noted that while Phillips' condition improved, it was not to a level where it was safe to play him. "Each day has gotten better," Friedman said. "But not to the point where - first and foremost, we're not going to put him in harm's way."

According to Major League Baseball rules, teams must seek permission to replace a player on the roster due to an acute, non-chronic injury that occurred after the roster submission. With Phillips' arm fatigue being a pre-existing condition, the Dodgers face a dilemma. If Phillips were to remain on the roster but was unable to recover, a replacement would only be possible in the event of a new injury.

"I wish there was a clear answer in this. It's not," explained Friedman. "It's one of those things that until he really ramps it up in any kind of intensity, we're not going to know. At the end of the day, the chances of that resulting in either him compromising himself health-wise and actually creating a much bigger issue or not being very effective or all of those things."

As the Dodgers head into the World Series, the absence of Phillips represents a significant challenge. However, the team's commitment to player safety underscores their long-term vision and cautious approach in handling their pitchers.