bullpen

Two innings later, Matthew, seated next to his dad, saw Smith’s blast land in the bullpen and bounce directly into his hands.

Phillips, 31, has been a key part of the Dodgers’ bullpen since the team plucked him off waivers near the end of the 2021 season.

And, he said, he has declined offers from other teams — he wouldn’t say which ones — to become a major league bullpen coach.

It’s shown up in their pursuit of relievers, with their preference seemingly being a shorter-term deal after being burned by big bullpen spending last year.

The Dodgers don’t have glaring needs this winter, but the back end of the bullpen is one area they will look to upgrade.