The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Anthony Banda from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations.
Banda was not on the Guardians 40-man roster, so the Dodgers will not need to make room on theirs to acquire him. If they wish to add him to their active roster, at that point they would need to make space on the 40-man.
The southpaw was once a top 100 prospect as a starting pitcher, but dealt with numerous injuries that limited him to a bullpen role.
Banda made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he has since bounced around, spending time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Washington Nationals, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays.
He last pitched for the Nationals in 2023, throwing seven innings with a 6.43 ERA and 5.97 FIP while striking out 7.71 hitters per nine and walking 6.43 per nine.
Over his career, The 30-year-old has pitched 118.2 innings with a 5.69 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 1.63 WHIP, 8.27 strikeouts per nine and 3.72 walks per nine.
The lefty primarily relies on a fastball, which averages 95.3 mph, and compliments that with a changeup. He occasionally mixes in a curveball as well.
The Dodgers will look to tap into the potential that made him one of the higher-regarded prospects in baseball, and if they do, they would still have three years of control as Banda just had his final year of pre-arbitration.
It’s likely he reports to Triple-A for the time being, but he could find himself at the Major League level at some point.
Dodgers bullpen relying on ‘next man up’
The Dodgers bullpen has dealt with multiple injuries to key relievers, but despite that, they’ve still been an effective unit while utilizing pitchers who weren’t expected to be in important roles.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited the pitchers for stepping up and taking advantage of their opportunities.
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