Dodgers Bolster Bullpen with Alexis Díaz
The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized the acquisition of closer Alexis Díaz, coming from the Cincinnati Reds, as announced this Thursday. This move aims to strengthen the team’s bullpen.
In return, the Dodgers sent minor league reliever Mike Villani, selected in the thirteenth round last summer, to the Reds.
Alexis Díaz, younger brother of New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz, made a notable impact in 2022 and 2023. During those years, he maintained an ERA of 2.47, accumulating 47 saves and striking out 169 batters in 131 innings. However, his numbers declined in 2024, with an increase in his ERA to 3.99 and a reduction in his strikeout rate.
Díaz’s performance at the beginning of this season included allowing eight runs in six innings, with only three strikeouts. In addition, the average velocity of his fastball decreased for the fourth consecutive year, going from 95.7 mph to 93 mph.
After being sent to Triple-A on May 1, Díaz’s numbers haven’t significantly improved. In 14 appearances with the Louisville Bats, Díaz, 28, has recorded an ERA of 4.61 with 12 walks in 13 2/3 innings.
The Dodgers intend to send Díaz to their spring training facility in Glendale, Arizona, with the goal of helping him regain his best form.
The hope is that Díaz will eventually reinforce a needed group, as the Dodgers currently have five high-leverage relievers on the injured list: Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates.
Also injured are Edgardo Henriquez and Michael Grove.All these pitchers are right-handed, just like Díaz. Currently, the only right-handed reliever the Dodgers seem to trust to hold leads is Ben Casparius.
