The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the acquisition of reliever Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitching prospect Mike Villani. The Dodgers have faced persistent challenges with their pitching staff this season, as multiple pitchers, including starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki, along with relievers Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Kirby Yates, have found themselves on the injured list due to various injuries.

Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain their winning ways, largely attributed to their powerful offense. The team's pitching staff has struggled, however, currently holding a 4.09 ERA, which ranks 21st among Major League Baseball teams. Diaz, the 28-year-old reliever, was selected as an All-Star during the 2023 season, boasting a 3.07 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 86 strikeouts over 67.1 innings pitched, along with 37 saves in 40 opportunities. While his performance last season was commendable with a 3.99 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 55 strikeouts alongside 28 saves in 32 attempts, his 2025 season has been problematic.

Diaz began this season on the injured list as he recuperated from a left hamstring injury, and upon return, he compiled a troubling 12.00 ERA and 2.17 WHIP in six appearances. Consequently, he was sent down to Triple-A Louisville on May 1, with the Reds expressing hope that a period away from the Major League spotlight would help him regain his form. Despite this, Diaz has continued to encounter difficulties with his command at the minor league level. With Emilio Pagán currently holding down the closer role for Cincinnati, the organization's decision to trade Diaz reflects a desire to move in a different direction. Cincinnati's president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, informed reporters after the trade, 'Where he was two years ago, the first half of 2023, and where he is, he's obviously not where he needs to be.' He added that a change of scenery might be beneficial for Diaz as the team has opted to clear a roster spot while reallocating resources. For the Dodgers, this low-risk move addresses their pressing need for pitching arms, with the potential for significant rewards should Diaz manage to return to form.