Ace closer coming back for Dodgers as Rockies come to town

Evan Phillips should be back for the Dodgers in his closer's role.

The Dodgers are in first place in the National League West, and they have a 6.5-game lead over the second place San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. However, they are not on any kind of hot streak, having split their last 10 games as they prepare to host the Colorado Rockies Friday night.

They are getting some good news for their pitching staff as reliever Evan Phillips is back from his hamstring injury. He is expected to return to his role as the Dodgers closer. Phillips was on the 15-day injured list.

The 29-year-old Phillips was off to a tremendous start before he went on the injured list. He had pitched in 14 games and had a 0.66 earned run average while pitching 13.2 innings. He had already accumulated 8 saves while finishing 11 games for the Dodgers.

Phillips registered 17 strikeouts and has walked just four batters. He has allowed just 10 hits and has not given up a home run this season.

Dodgers hoping for a return to top form for Phillips

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips (59) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field.Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers are expected to be one of the dominant teams throughout the Major Leagues, and they should battle the Phillies, Braves and Brewers for National League superiority. When it comes to all-around talent, few teams can come close to matching what manager Dave Roberts’ team can put on the field.

The Dodgers have a remarkable foursome that includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith. They are not likely to have any long stretches where they can’t put hits and runs together, and offense is not going to be the issue.

However, the Dodgers have had a slew of pitching injuries. As a result, getting Phillips back and his propensity for shutting down opponents at the end of games will only help the Dodgers maintain or increase their position as the first-place team in the National League West.

Glasnow and Yamamoto have led the team’s starters

The Dodgers have been depending on starters Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Glasnow has a 6-3 record with a 3.04 ERA while striking out 95 batters in 74.0 innings. Yamamoto had a 5-2 record and he has fanned 69 batters in 59.0 innings. Both men have been victimized by the home run ball, as Glasnow has allowed seven home runs, while Yamamoto has given up six blasts.

Daniel Hudson and Alex Vesia have been two of Roberts’ top relievers. Hudson has a 2.57 ERA while pitching 21.0 innings and he has recorded 3 saves. Vesia has also been sharp, as he has an impressive 1.42 ERA while recording 2 saves in 25.1 innings.