The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired former All-Star reliever Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday in exchange for minor league pitcher Mike Villani.
To make space on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred right-hander Evan Phillips to the 60-day injured list.
Díaz, who posted a 12.00 ERA in six appearances for the Reds this season, had recently been demoted to Triple-A Louisville after losing his role as closer.
Díaz, 28, made a strong impression early in his career—finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 and earning an All-Star nod in 2023 with 37 saves and a 3.07 ERA.
Despite securing 28 saves last season, his performance began to decline and continued into 2025. He is earning $4.5 million this year and is the brother of Mets closer Edwin Díaz.
Villani, a Long Beach State product, was drafted by the Dodgers in the 13th round last year.
Phillips, a crucial part of L.A.’s bullpen with 42 saves over the past two seasons, has been sidelined since May 7 with elbow discomfort.
Manager Dave Roberts recently expressed concern over his slow recovery, noting that Phillips had yet to begin a throwing program.
Phillips is one of 14 Dodgers pitchers currently on the injured list, a group with a combined salary exceeding $100 million.
That list includes key names like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, and Brusdar Graterol.
