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Dodgers Announce Major Pitching Trade Before Yankees Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 29, 2025 6:03 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are acquiring former All-Star closer Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds in a surprising deal Thursday.

Diaz struggled to start 2025, pitching to a 12.00 ERA in March/April before being sent down to Triple-A. His rough start to 2025 was punctuated by a five-run meltdown against the Cardinals on April 30, and Diaz was sent down May 2.

Diaz has continued to struggle with Triple-A Louisville, pitching to a 4.70 ERA. It seems to be a command problem for the 2023 All-Star, who has struck out 16 batters in 7 2/3 innings in Triple-A.

The Dodgers needed arms, and Diaz comes with some proven upside if the Dodgers can figure out how to turn him around.

The Reds received minor league right-hander Mike Villani in return, per Robert Murray of Fansided. Villani pitches for the ACL Dodgers, Los Angeles' rookie affiliate, and has only logged two innings of pro ball.

Diaz pitched to a 3.07 ERA in his 2023 All-Star season, logging 37 saves which ranked fourth in baseball, trailing only Emmanuel Clase (44), Camilo Doval (39) and David Bednar (39). Diaz only blew three save opportunities in 2023, and his WHIP of 1.19 was excellent.

Diaz followed that up with a slightly worse 2024 season, where his ERA increased to 3.99 and he only recorded 28 saves. He did only blow four save opportunities, just one more than his 2023 season.

Diaz will get another shot with the reigning World Series champions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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