The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the acquisition of reliever Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitching prospect Mike Villani. This move comes as the Dodgers face ongoing challenges with injuries within their pitching staff, which has affected both starting and relief pitchers throughout the current season.

The Dodgers' pitching roster has seen significant setbacks, with starters including Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki, alongside relievers Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Kirby Yates, all currently sidelined due to injuries. Despite these difficulties, the team has managed to maintain a competitive edge, largely attributed to their strong offensive performance. However, their pitching staff has struggled, as evidenced by a 4.09 ERA that ranks 21st among all major league teams.

Diaz, a 28-year-old pitcher, earned an All-Star designation in the 2023 season while posting impressive statistics, including a 3.07 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, alongside 86 strikeouts over 67.1 innings of work. He also achieved 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. Despite a solid performance last year with a 3.99 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, Diaz has faced challenges in the current season, having started on the injured list due to a left hamstring injury. Upon his return, he registered a 12.00 ERA and a 2.17 WHIP over six appearances, leading to his demotion to Triple-A Louisville on May 1. Reds’ president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, mentioned that a change of scenery might benefit Diaz as the organization moves forward with other prospects. For the Dodgers, the acquisition represents a low-risk strategy to address their pitching needs, with the potential for a significant payoff if Diaz can return to form.