The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday their acquisition of reliever Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitching prospect Mike Villani. This move comes as the Dodgers navigate a challenging season marked by injuries within their pitching staff, including starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki, along with relievers Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Kirby Yates, who are all currently on the injured list. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a competitive edge, largely attributed to their powerful offense, even as their pitching staff struggles with a 4.09 ERA, ranking 21st in Major League Baseball.

Alexis Diaz, a 28-year-old reliever, enjoyed a successful All-Star campaign in the 2023 season, boasting a 3.07 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 86 strikeouts over 67.1 innings. He successfully converted 37 of 40 save opportunities, showcasing his reliability on the mound. The previous season was also commendable, with Diaz posting a 3.99 ERA and 55 strikeouts, while converting 28 of 32 save opportunities. However, Diaz has faced challenges in the 2025 season, beginning the year on the injured list while recovering from a left hamstring injury. Upon his return, he struggled significantly, recording a 12.00 ERA and a 2.17 WHIP over six appearances, ultimately leading to his demotion to Triple-A Louisville on May 1. The Reds hoped that a period away from the Major League spotlight could help him regain his form, but he continued to struggle with his command in the minors.

Given the current circumstances, the Reds have decided to move on from Diaz, especially with Emilio Pagán effectively filling the closer role. Cincinnati’s president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, shared his perspective on the trade, stating, "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's a great kid. It's just one of those where a change of scenery might help him. He wasn't going to be brought up tomorrow for the open bullpen spot. We felt like it was the right time to make this move. We ended up clearing a roster spot. We can reallocate some of the resources. We got a pitcher back that we like." For the Dodgers, this acquisition represents a low-risk maneuver in light of their pressing need for pitching depth, with the potential for significant rewards if Diaz can rediscover his previous success.