The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired All-Star closer Alexis Diaz (29) through a trade.
Major League Baseball's official media outlet, MLB.com, reported on the 30th (Korean time) that "the Dodgers have brought closer Alexis Diaz from the Reds in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Mike Villani. Veteran right-hander Evan Phillips has been moved to the 60-day injured list from the 40-man roster, making room for Diaz."
Diaz is the brother of New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz. He has a career total of 196 games (193⅓ innings) with 18 wins, 14 losses, 17 holds, 75 saves, and an earned run average of 3.21. In 2023, he recorded 9 wins, 6 losses, 2 holds, 37 saves, and an earned run average of 3.07 in 71 games (67⅓ innings) and was selected as an All-Star in the National League.
Diaz, who performed as a closer for the Cincinnati Reds, has struggled this season, recording 2 holds and an earned run average of 12.00 in 6 games (6 innings) before being demoted to Triple-A. His Triple-A stats show 1 win, 2 losses, 2 saves, and an earned run average of 4.61 in 14 games (13⅔ innings). MLB.com explained, "Diaz's return to the team was delayed due to a hamstring injury. His last appearance in Major League Baseball was against the Cardinals on May 1, where he allowed 5 earned runs in the 9th inning."
The Dodgers are struggling this season with a bullpen earned run average of 3.98, ranking 17th. The Dodgers' bullpen has logged the most innings in Major League Baseball at 239⅔ due to injuries among starting pitchers. Despite this, the Dodgers are leading the National League West division, but the bullpen requires strengthening to compete for the championship again this year as the defending World Series champions.
MLB.com noted that "closer Tanner Scott has recorded 3 blown saves in his last 5 games. Nevertheless, he remains one of the few reliable relievers still on the roster. Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech are all on the injured list. Kopech is currently nearing the end of his rehabilitation appearances in Triple-A Oklahoma City, but the return of the other pitchers is not imminent," analyzing that the Dodgers needed reinforcement in their bullpen.
While Diaz is not necessarily a satisfactory acquisition, it is the best move given that many teams are still competing for postseason spots. MLB.com predicted that "the Dodgers needed to bring a pitcher like Diaz, who has confirmed high points in Major League Baseball, to a low point. If Diaz can regain his form from his All-Star days, he could provide the performance the Dodgers are hoping for."
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