The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a calculated risk by promoting right-hander Alexis Díaz from Triple-A Oklahoma City, despite his recent struggles. Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in late May, Díaz brings the pedigree of a former All-Star and past closer experience—something the injury-depleted Dodgers bullpen desperately needs. While his Triple-A stint was rocky, posting a 9.64 ERA and seven walks in just 4.2 innings, Los Angeles is banking on his past success and potential rebound to provide depth and veteran stability.
Díaz’s path to this point has been turbulent. After opening the season on the injured list with a hamstring issue, he failed to regain his form in Cincinnati, resulting in a 12.00 ERA over six early-season outings. Losing his role as the Reds’ closer, he was sent to Triple-A and ultimately traded for minor-league pitcher Mike Villani. Despite these struggles, Díaz still owns 75 career saves, including a standout 2023 season with a 3.07 ERA and 37 saves, showing he’s capable of high-leverage performance when at his best.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that Díaz’s promotion is based more on potential than recent results. “The arm still works. The stuff is still good,” Roberts told the Associated Press, citing concerns with Díaz’s strike-throwing consistency but suggesting his mechanics are fixable. With such a depleted bullpen, the Dodgers are hoping his experience and upside will eventually shine through.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned Julian Fernandez, who was called up just a day earlier. Fernandez allowed two runs in two innings during a lopsided loss to Milwaukee, further highlighting the volatility and patchwork nature of the current bullpen. The team is clearly cycling through options, trying to find effective relief arms as injuries continue to mount.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff remains in flux, with 12 pitchers currently on the injured list, including key arms like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. However, there’s optimism as Tyler Glasnow is set to return Wednesday, providing a major boost to the rotation. For Díaz, his initial role will likely be in low-leverage situations, but if he can recapture even a hint of his All-Star form, he could become a vital piece down the stretch for a team with championship aspirations
