The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Cincinna early star finisher Diaz

The Dodgers traded from the Redskins today to right-hand backup pitcher Alexis Díaz for minor league right-hand pitcher Mike Villani. To free up space for the 40-man roster, veteran right-hand thrower Evan Phillips was transferred to the 60-day injury list. The move, while bringing in former All-Star finishers, also means the team will lose their backbone until early July.

Transaction Details
Dodgers get: Right throw Alexis Diaz
Reds get: Minor League right-hand pitcher Mike Villani

The 28-year-old Diaz was named an All-Star in 2023 and was voted fifth in the National League Rookie King in 2022. As the younger brother of Mets finisher Edwin Díaz, he averaged 2.47 ERAs in 130 games in 2022-23, made 47 rescues, and made just 69 of his 169 strikeouts. However, his form has since slipped and he was relegated to Triple A Louisville this month. He delayed his debut in 2024 due to a hamstring injury, played 6 games in the major leagues with a self-responsibility rate of 12.00 (6 innings, 3 strikeouts, 5 guarantees), and lost 5 points in a single game against the Cardinals on April 30. In 14 triple-A games, 13.2 innings pitched with a 4.61 ERA (12 guaranteed and 16 strikeouts). Diaz is paid $4.5 million this season (avoiding a salary arbitration agreement) and is in control of the team until the end of the 2027 season.

The Dodgers Bullpen ranks 17th in the league with a 3.98 ERA this season, and has accumulated 239.2 innings in the league after multiple starters have been injured. Despite the team's temporary top spot in the Western Conference of Nations, the defending champions' bullpen is still a clear shortcoming. Interim finisher Tanner Scott has made three rescues in his last five fights, while Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech are all on the injury list. Only Kopec is nearing the end of his 3A rehabilitation, and the rest of his return date is still undecided.

Phillips was on the 15-day injury list on May 7 due to a discomfort in his right forearm and was expected to be sidelined for a short period of time. But coach Dave Roberts revealed two days later that an MRI showed inflammation in his elbow and that he would need to take a few weeks off shooting and restart training. Phillips has yet to resume passing practice this week, returning as early as July 6 after moving to a 60-day squad. "It's getting worrying," Roberts said on Sunday, "and I'm not sure how long he'll have to recuperate before he can restart passing, and I'm worried but hopeful." Phillips started the season with a right rotator cuff strain, which caused him to miss last year's World Series, and has played 5.2 games without conceding points in seven games this season, contributing four successful relays and one successful rescue.

The 22-year-old Verlaney, who was selected in the 13th round of the 2024 draft from Long Beach State University in California, has a 94-96 mph fast ball and a dominant skateball from college. In the first season of his career, he played two games in the Arizona Rookie League, with no hits in two innings and five strikeouts.

The Dodgers are essentially making a low-cost bet on Diaz, who has the potential to be in the big leagues, and if he can regain his near-All-Star form, he could be a much-needed force for the team.