Dodgers lose standout reliever Evan Phillips, return two bullpen arms in stunning World Series shakeup

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising move on Sunday, optioning standout reliever Evan Phillips to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalling two relievers, Phil Bickford and Heath Hembree, from the minors. The move comes as a shock to many, as Phillips has been one of the Dodgers' most reliable relievers all season. In 60 appearances, he has a 3.78 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He has also converted 11 of 12 save opportunities.

However, Phillips has struggled in the postseason, allowing five runs in just 2 1/3 innings. He gave up a game-tying home run to the San Diego Padres' Ha-seong Kim in the NLDS and was charged with two runs in the Dodgers' Game 1 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS. The Dodgers are hoping that Bickford and Hembree can provide some much-needed stability to their bullpen. Bickford has a 4.02 ERA in 56 appearances this season, while Hembree has a 4.15 ERA in 62 appearances. The Dodgers are now down to 13 pitchers on their active roster, which could put a strain on their bullpen in the World Series. However, the team is confident that Bickford and Hembree can step up and fill the void left by Phillips.