The Los Angeles Dodgers made a move to acquire more bullpen help on May 29 by trading prospect Mike Villani to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for former All-Star Alexis Díaz.
In a corresponding move, Evan Phillips was transferred to the 60-day injured list in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Díaz. In a way, the trade became even more necessary with the news of Phillips’ season coming to an end as the result of Tommy John surgery.
Díaz’s Major League career is still relatively young, with 2025 being his fourth season in the league. He had enjoyed a good amount of success up to this year, with a 2.47 ERA, 47 saves and 11.61 strikeouts per nine innings through his first two seasons.
The right-hander took a step back last season with an ERA nearing 4.00 and his strikeouts per nine innings plummeting to 8.79. Things weren’t going much better in 2025, as he allowed eight runs in six innings, only struck out three and walked five.
His older brother, Edwin Díaz, has enjoyed a very successful Major League career in his own right. Edwin is in the midst of his ninth MLB season and his sixth with the New York Mets.
The elder Díaz believes that a change of scenery is just was Alexis needs to get his career back on track, via “Dodger Talk” with David Vassegh:
“Yeah, 100%. He was happy when he got traded. He was really happy. He called me, ‘Hey, I’m going to the Dodgers so I will see you next week or in the playoffs.’ So he’s really happy and I’m happy for him. Can’t wait to see him in the big leagues again and helping a team win.”
The Dodgers began their four-game series against the Mets at Dodger Stadium on Monday, but Alexis did not have the chance to face off against his brother’s team as he is currently at Camelback Ranch to work with pitching coaches.
The Dodgers and Mets aren’t scheduled to meet again in the regular season this year. However, there is a decent chance these two teams play in the postseason for a rematch of last year’s National League Championship Series.
Alexis Díaz working with Dodgers pitching development coaches
Díaz will eventually help fill the void left by Phillips in the Dodgers bullpen and raise the talent level overall. But before then, the former All-Star closer has been working at Camelback Ranch with Dodgers pitching development coaches.
Díaz primarily relies on a fastball-slider combination. His fastball velocity has declined each season, bottoming out at 93 mph so far this year.
The Dodgers could not only be looking to help Díaz regain some velocity but perhaps refine his pitch mix as well.
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