Dodgers Make Major Trade After Loss to Guardians

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 29, 2025 6:02 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers just took two of three games from the Cleveland Guardians to improve their record to 34-22. This mark sits atop the National League West, and is two games better than the second place San Diego Padres.

LA has gotten off to this hot start despite several injuries to key players, and most notably to the pitching staff. In addition to multiple injuries, the Dodgers have also gotten poor production from left-handed closer Tanner Scott who was signed in the offseason to a four-year, $72 million contract.

Scott has a 4.62 ERA in 26 appearances this season.

Amid Scott's struggles, and injuries to other key arms, the Dodgers have made a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. LA is acquiring 2023 All-Star closer Alexis Diaz in exchange for 2024 draft pick Mike Villani.

"The Dodgers are acquiring reliever Alexis Diaz in a trade with the Reds, sources say," Robert Murray of Fansided wrote on X. "Mike Villani, a 13th round pick by the Dodgers in the 2024 draft, is going to the Reds."

The Dodgers are acquiring reliever Alexis Diaz in a trade with the Reds, sources say. Mike Villani, a 13th round pick by the Dodgers in the 2024 draft, is going to the Reds. @JonHeyman and @joelsherman1 were on it.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) May 29, 2025

Perhaps Wednesday's loss to the Cleveland Guardians was what Dodgers management needed to see before pulling the trigger on a deal for relief pitching help. Scott surrendered four earned runs and took the loss, wasting what was a strong outing from left-handed starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

Diaz has struggled in six appearances this season, giving up eight earned runs, but has a track record as a high-level arm at the back of the bullpen.

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

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