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Los Angeles is missing a key pitcher for the Fall Classic against the Yankees

Los Angeles is missing a key pitcher for the Fall Classic against the Yankees

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen will be missing an important piece from its arsenal in World Series.

The squad list announced on Friday did not include a replacement Evan Phillipswhose departure in Clinch Game 6 the National League Championship Series was cut short due to injury problems.

While Phillips was replaced on the roster by fellow right-hander Brusdar Graterol, who is out for a month with a shoulder injury, the loss of Phillips removes an important part of the Dodgers’ postseason bullpen.

He has been perfect this postseason, allowing no runs over 6 ⅔ innings in five games, including a pair of wins in two bullpen games for the Dodgers, staffed exclusively by relievers.

Evan Phillips has a 2.21 ERA in 187 regular season games since 2022.Evan Phillips has a 2.21 ERA in 187 regular season games since 2022.

Evan Phillips has a 2.21 ERA in 187 regular season games since 2022.

Phillips said Thursday that he thought his removal from Game 6 after an inning — the Dodgers had planned for him to go two — was wise and likely saved him for the World Series, and that he hoped to be on the roster.

“The decision in Game 6 was about that moment, leaving it as an option,” Phillips said. “We probably played with fire a little bit; when I got out of that inning, I decided to switch to the other arm in the bullpen, just to make sure my health is at the forefront, that I’m an option for this series.”

The Dodgers also welcomed back left-hander Alex Vecia (oblique) and shortstop Miguel Rojas (adductor), who both missed the NLCS. The composition of the “Yankees” has not changed; reliever Mark Leiter Jr. remains on the roster after filling in for Ian Hamilton, who was injured during the ALCS.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers World Series Lineup: Evan Phillips is out with an injury against the Yankees