The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday that they’ve acquired right-handed reliever Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds in a trade that sends 2024 draft pick pitcher Mike Villani to Cincinnati. According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Díaz is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, right-handed reliever Evan Phillips has been placed on the 60-day injured list.
Reliever Alexis Díaz Traded to Dodgers
Dodgers Bullpen Leaking Oil
The Dodgers are in urgent need of reliable bullpen help. Their current closer, Tanner Scott, has blown three consecutive save chances and holds a 4.62 ERA—far from what Los Angeles envisioned when they committed \$72 million over four years to the left-hander. To his credit, Scott didn’t give up a run in 17 of his first 18 outings, but that strong start now feels like a distant memory.
Another Reclamation Project?
In Case of Emergency
The Dodgers are currently facing a shortage of healthy right-handed relievers. Evan Phillips continues to battle forearm discomfort, which manager Dave Roberts described as “a little concerning.” Michael Kopech is on a rehab stint as he recovers from a shoulder injury, but he’s struggled in his outings so far. Meanwhile, Kirby Yates is sidelined with a hamstring strain, and Blake Treinen has only just resumed playing catch after his own forearm issue.
Despite their efforts to stack the bullpen with high-end arms, injuries continue to plague Los Angeles.
The real question now is whether the trade for Alexis Díaz is simply a temporary patch or the beginning of a series of bullpen reinforcements. Time will tell.
