Bonded by Their Darkest Experiences: Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips of the Dodgers

Baseball is often romanticized as the game of America’s pastime, full of heroic moments, stunning victories, and iconic players. However, behind the shining lights of the stadium and the cheering crowds, each player has their own story—a journey that involves not just physical skill but emotional resilience and personal growth. Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips, two pitchers for the Los Angeles Dodgers, both know this better than most.

Though each of them came from different backgrounds, their darkest moments would eventually forge a bond that would help them find new levels of success and make them integral to the Dodgers’ bullpen. Together, they learned to lean on one another, rising from their past struggles to become better teammates and better men, all while competing at the highest level in Major League Baseball.

Tanner Scott: Overcoming Personal Demons

Tanner Scott had always been a player who commanded attention. His fastball could touch the high 90s, and his slider had a nasty, late break that made even the most experienced batters flinch. He was a highly touted prospect for the Baltimore Orioles, and after making his debut in 2017, he showed flashes of brilliance. But while his career seemed to be rising, the journey was far from smooth.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Scott’s childhood was one of hardship. He grew up in a neighborhood where violence and poverty were rampant. His father had struggled with addiction, and his mother worked multiple jobs to support the family. Tanner often found solace in baseball, using the game as an escape from the chaos around him. But even his love for the game wasn’t immune to the challenges of growing up in an environment that didn’t always value his dreams.

In 2018, while still with the Orioles, Tanner hit a rough patch. His control issues on the mound were becoming evident, and his mental health began to deteriorate. What the public didn’t know was that Tanner had been struggling with depression and anxiety. The pressures of living up to expectations, dealing with the isolation of being a professional athlete, and facing the ghosts of his past weighed heavily on him. On the field, his struggles were visible: wild pitches, missed opportunities, and an inability to focus.

The turning point came in late 2020 when Scott was traded to the Dodgers. The change of scenery, however, didn’t bring an immediate solution to his problems. Despite the promise of a fresh start, his inner demons continued to haunt him. It wasn’t until he began speaking more openly with his teammates, especially Evan Phillips, that he started to understand the importance of mental health. Evan, having faced his own battles, became someone Tanner could confide in.

Evan Phillips: A Journey of Redemption

Evan Phillips’ path to the big leagues had been unconventional. After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015, he bounced between the minor leagues and the majors, struggling to find his footing. Phillips had a similar problem to Scott—he was immensely talented but couldn’t seem to get out of his own head. His fastball was strong, and his curveball had the potential to be devastating, but inconsistency plagued his performances.

Evan’s challenges weren’t just about baseball. Growing up in the small town of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he had faced his own set of struggles. His family wasn’t wealthy, and like Scott, baseball was an escape. However, for Phillips, baseball also represented the expectations and pressures that he felt were placed on him at a young age. By the time he was drafted, he was already carrying the weight of not just his own aspirations but those of everyone around him.

But it was an injury in 2019, one that threatened his career, that would ultimately become the catalyst for his personal transformation. The setback forced Evan to take a step back and reevaluate everything he thought he knew about himself. He battled frustration, anger, and self-doubt during his recovery. His time away from the mound became a period of intense self-reflection.

In the offseason, he sought therapy, something he had never considered before. He worked on his mental health, focusing on stress management, self-compassion, and mindfulness. It wasn’t easy, but through the process, Evan discovered a new version of himself. He became more grounded, understanding that his identity wasn’t solely defined by his success or failure on the baseball field.

When Evan was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers in 2021, his game had improved—not just physically, but mentally. The combination of his refined pitching mechanics and newfound mental clarity made him a more consistent and reliable option in the bullpen. But more importantly, he had found peace with himself.

A Friendship Forged in Vulnerability

It was during the 2022 season that Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips began to bond over their shared experiences. Initially, their relationship was built around their roles in the bullpen. They would warm up together before games, discuss opposing batters, and offer tips on pitches and strategy. But it didn’t take long for them to begin opening up to one another about their personal lives.

One evening, after a tough loss, Scott and Phillips found themselves in the clubhouse together, quietly reflecting on the game. Tanner was particularly frustrated with his performance, and Evan could tell that something deeper was bothering him.

“Hey, you good?” Evan asked, his voice soft but sincere.

Scott hesitated for a moment before responding. “It’s not just the game. It’s everything. I feel like I’m always fighting to prove myself.”

Evan nodded, understanding exactly where Scott was coming from. “I get that. I’ve been there. Still am, sometimes. But you’ve got to understand—your value isn’t tied to how well you perform out there.”

Tanner let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping. “I know. But sometimes it feels like it is. Like I’m only worth something when I’m at my best.”

Evan placed a hand on his shoulder. “We all feel that way. The trick is to keep pushing through, even when you don’t feel your best. And to lean on your teammates. We’re here for each other. You’re not alone.”

From that moment on, the two pitchers formed an unbreakable bond. They began spending more time together, not just in the clubhouse but outside of baseball as well. Whether it was grabbing dinner, talking about their childhoods, or sharing the mental challenges they faced, they developed a friendship that transcended the game.

Evan was instrumental in helping Tanner embrace the importance of mental health. He encouraged Scott to seek therapy and practice mindfulness techniques that had helped him in the past. They often discussed how to manage stress and how to support each other when things got tough. These conversations became the foundation for their success as teammates. Both men began to see significant improvements in their performances on the mound. But more importantly, they became better at handling the mental side of the game.

The Impact on the Dodgers’ Success

As the 2023 season progressed, the Dodgers bullpen became one of the most feared in Major League Baseball. Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips were a key part of that success. Their friendship, forged in vulnerability and mutual support, made them more than just teammates; it made them brothers in arms. When Scott struggled, Phillips was there to offer guidance. When Phillips faced adversity, Scott was quick to remind him of how far he had come.

Together, they worked with other bullpen arms to establish a culture of support and mental wellness within the team. They advocated for players to speak openly about their struggles and encouraged a team-first mentality that extended beyond the diamond.

By the end of the 2023 season, Tanner Scott had found consistency in his game. His fastball was dominating, and his slider had become even more effective. Evan Phillips, meanwhile, had blossomed into one of the most reliable relievers in the league, using his mental clarity to maintain his composure in high-pressure situations. Together, they helped lead the Dodgers deep into the playoffs, with both contributing vital innings during crucial moments.

A Legacy of Brotherhood

The bond between Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips wasn’t just a personal triumph; it became a symbol of the power of friendship, vulnerability, and resilience. They had both faced their darkest moments, and in those moments, they had discovered a strength they hadn’t known existed. Baseball, as they came to realize, wasn’t just about the numbers and the accolades. It was about how you carried yourself through adversity and how you supported those around you.

As the years went on, Scott and Phillips became more than just teammates—they became advocates for mental health awareness in sports. They shared their stories with younger players, urging them not to bottle up their emotions and to lean on their teammates when needed. They had come a long way from the isolated players they once were, finding a sense of belonging not just on the field, but in their relationships with each other.

In the end, Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips proved that sometimes the darkest experiences can lead to the brightest outcomes. Through their struggles, they found strength, camaraderie, and success. And in doing so, they not only elevated their own careers but helped elevate the entire Dodgers organization. Their story became a testament to the fact that in the world of professional sports, the greatest victories are often the ones that happen off the field.