The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Thursday that they traded for right-handed reliever Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for 2024 draft pick pitcher Mike Villani. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic further reports that Diaz will most likely report to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips is headed to the 60-day injured list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Diaz.
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
Reliever Alexis Díaz Traded to Dodgers
Dodgers Bullpen Leaking Oil
The Dodgers are in desperate need of effective relief arms. Their designated closer Tanner Scott has blown three straight save opportunities and features a 4.62 ERA. This is not how Los Angeles drew it up after spending $72 million over four years on the left-hander. To be fair, Scott didn’t allow a run in his first 17 of 18 appearances. But that seems long ago and far away at the moment.
Another Reclamation Project?
For his part, Díaz was once the Reds’ closer and made the All-Star team as recently as 2023. However, his 96 mph fastball has dropped in speed in the intervening years. To make matters worse, his walk rate has increased precipitously. His hard contact rate has also jumped nearly 20 percent since being a high-leverage reliever a few years ago.
In Case of Emergency
The Dodgers find themselves short of right-handed relievers at the moment. Evan Phillips is still dealing with lingering pain in his forearm. Manager Dave Roberts said it’s “a little concerning.” Michael Kopech is on a rehab assignment making his way back from a shoulder issue. He has yet to be effective in his appearances. Kirby Yates is dealing with a strained hamstring, and Blake Treinen just started playing catch after dealing with a forearm issue as well.
It seems that Los Angeles can sign as many high-level relievers as they want, but they still can’t keep the injury bug away.
The question remains: is the trade for Díaz a stop-gap measure or is it the first of many moves for the Dodgers? We will see.
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