The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday that they have acquired reliever Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitching prospect Mike Villani. This transaction comes as the Dodgers face ongoing challenges with injuries within their pitching staff, which has once again impacted their season performance.

The injuries have affected several key players, including starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki, as well as relievers Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Kirby Yates, all of whom are currently on the injured list. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have continued to secure victories, largely attributed to their potent offensive lineup, even as their pitching struggles have been evident, with their team ERA of 4.09 placing them 21st in the major leagues.

Alexis Diaz, a 28-year-old right-hander, was an All-Star in the 2023 season, boasting a commendable 3.07 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and 86 strikeouts over 67.1 innings pitched, along with successfully converting 37 out of 40 save opportunities. However, Diaz has faced difficulties in the 2025 season, having started the year on the injured list recovering from a left hamstring injury. Upon his return, he struggled significantly with a 12.00 ERA and 2.17 WHIP across six appearances, leading to his reassignment to Triple-A Louisville on May 1. The Reds’ front office expressed the belief that a change in environment could assist Diaz in rediscovering his form, as emphasized by Cincinnati's president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, who acknowledged the need for both Diaz and the team to reevaluate their paths. For the Dodgers, this acquisition presents a low-risk opportunity to bolster their bullpen, offering the potential for significant returns should Diaz regain his previous performance levels.