Evan Phillips was activated from the 60-day injured list on Monday, and if he can pitch the way he did before he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last year, the Dodgers really might not have to do anything in the month leading up to the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

“More nervous than I expected,” Phillips said.

Phillips, 31, was the Dodgers’ saves leader in both 2023 and 2024. Claimed off waivers in the middle of the 2021 season, Phillips has posted a 2.22 earned-run average in 201 games for the Dodgers.

His return for the start of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies marked the end of a 13-month journey that started when Dr. Neal ElAttrache repaired his ulnar collateral ligament.

“I’m excited to get back out there. I was here for a live BP a month and a half ago and took a moment then to appreciate being back at Dodger Stadium, but it’s gonna be different tonight, getting back out there in a competitive atmosphere,” Phillips said. “So really exited about that. 

The final stage of Phillips’ recovery included a month-long rehabilitation in triple A. Phillips pitched 12 games for the Dodgers’ Oklahoma City-based affiliate, posting a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings.

Phillips pitched on consecutive days for Oklahoma City on June 24 and 25, the latter appearance marking the start of a four-game stretch in which he didn’t give up any runs or walks.

“Feel like probably the last past two weeks or so really took a good turn on my rehab,” he said. “Started bouncing back even better, pitching more like myself, feeling more like myself.”

Paul Gervase was optioned to clear a spot for Phillips on the active roster. Phillips’ place on the 40-man roster came at the expense of left-hander Jake Eder.

In a separate roster move, the Dodgers added right-hander Carlos Duran to the 40-man roster and designated catcher Chuckie Johnson for assignment. Johnson was optioned to triple A after he was 2 for 23 in eight major-league games with the Dodgers.