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Phillips' hold on the closer role is in jeopardy after Sunday's latest blunder against the Red Sox, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. He allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while only managing to record one out via a strikeout.
Phillips was brought in to begin the ninth inning with the Dodgers leading 9-3 and allowed a single and two doubles to the first three hitters he faced. He was able to get Tyler O'Neill out on strikes before issuing back-to-back walks and getting the hook. Phillips has had a very rough stretch since the end of June, allowing nine runs on 12 hits and three walks while recording eight strikeouts over his last 7.1 innings. Prior to that, the right-hander had a 1.52 ERA, 0.97 WHIP in 23.2 innings. Manager Dave Roberts commented after Saturday's win that he was still a "long ways" from removing Phillips from the closing role and that he would give him "as much runway as he wants" to regain his previous form. His view on Phillips may have changed after Sunday's outing. Daniel Hudson picked up two saves over the weekend, and the Dodgers could also acquire another high-leverage bullpen arm at the trade deadline to address their closer situation.
