The Los Angeles Dodgers revealed on Thursday that they acquired right-handed reliever Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds, sending 2024 draft pick pitcher Mike Villani in return. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic adds that Díaz is expected to join Triple-A Oklahoma City. To make room for Díaz on the 40-man roster, right-handed reliever Evan Phillips will be moved to the 60-day injured list.
Reliever Alexis Díaz Traded to Dodgers
Dodgers Bullpen Leaking Oil
The Dodgers urgently need reliable relief pitchers. Their designated closer, Tanner Scott, has failed to convert his last three save chances and currently has a 4.62 ERA. This outcome is far from what Los Angeles expected after committing \$72 million over four years to the left-hander. To be fair, Scott did not allow a run in 17 of his first 18 appearances, but that success now feels like a distant memory.
The Dodgers acquired RHP Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds for minor league pitcher Mike Villani. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred RHP Evan Phillips to the 60-day injured list.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 29, 2025
Another Reclamation Project?
Díaz used to be the Reds’ closer and even made the All-Star team as recently as 2023. However, his fastball, which once reached 96 mph, has lost velocity over the past few years. Additionally, his walk rate has risen sharply, and his hard contact rate has increased by nearly 20 percent since his time as a high-leverage reliever a few years back.
In Case of Emergency
The Dodgers currently lack enough right-handed relievers. Evan Phillips is still coping with persistent forearm pain, which manager Dave Roberts described as “a little concerning.” Michael Kopech is on a rehab assignment as he recovers from a shoulder injury but has yet to find effectiveness in his outings. Kirby Yates is sidelined with a strained hamstring, and Blake Treinen has just begun throwing again after dealing with his own forearm issues.
No matter how many top-tier relievers Los Angeles signs, injuries continue to plague the team.
The big question is whether acquiring Díaz is just a temporary fix or the first step in a series of moves by the Dodgers. Time will tell.
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