As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to supplement a bullpen that’s been heavily leaned upon so far this season, their latest move was to acquire Alexis Díaz in a trade that sent Mike Villani to the Cincinnati Reds.
Evan Phillips was transferred to the 60-day injured list, pushing his potential return to July 6 as the earliest date he can be activated. Phillips has been out since May 7 due to right forearm discomfort, and recently received a PRP injection for lingering elbow discomfort that has prevented him from starting a throwing program.
Phillips’ absence joins that of fellow high-leverage relievers Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates. Thus, any contributions from Díaz could ultimately loom large.
But the former All-Star closer is first going to report to Camelback Ranch to work with Dodgers pitching development coaches. According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, general manager Brandon Gomes is optimistic the team can help Díaz get back on track:
“We feel like we have an opportunity to take a step back and focus on his delivery and getting his body moving properly again,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “He’s still showing flashes of the elite reliever he was in the past with the ability to dominate right-handed hitters but hasn’t been able to consistently repeat that version.
“We look forward to getting him with our pitching and performance group in Arizona to get to work and we know he’s excited to dive in as well.”
Díaz pitched to a 12.00 ERA in six innings for the Reds this year. He began the season on the injured list because of a left hamstring strain.
After the right-hander allowed three home runs in one inning on April 30, he was demoted to Triple-A Louisville the next day. Díaz had a 4.61 ERA in 14 Minor League games before being traded to the Dodgers.
When Díaz was an All-Star in 2023, he finished 9-6 with a 3.07 ERA and 37 saves in a career-high 71 games.
How can the Dodgers help Alexis Díaz?
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 look to help Díaz regain some velocity but perhaps refine his pitch mix as well.
The 28-year-old is 75 for 86 in save opportunities with a 3.21 ERA in 196 games. Díaz has 227 strikeouts in 193.1 innings and has held hitters to a .180 batting average against.
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