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The Dodgers have made their first questionable trade for a potential reclamation project of the season, but this time, it's for a guy Dodgers fans actually might know. Per Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, the Dodgers are acquiring former (and recently demoted) Reds closer Alexis Díaz and sending pitcher Mike Villani back to Cincinnati in return. Fabian Ardaya was quick to follow up that Díaz is expected to go to Triple-A first instead of immediately being directed to the majors. In another unpleasant but not totally surprising blow, Evan Phillips was moved to the 60-day IL.
Díaz was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on May 1, following an inning against the Cardinals when he gave up five earned runs on three home runs, a walk, and a hit by pitch. That came a little over a week after he gave up three runs including a homer, a walk, and hit a batter against the Marlins.
His struggles aren't exactly new, as he frequently made Reds fans nervous last season, but things came to a head this year, leaving the Reds no choice but to send him down. He's looked similarly suspect in Triple-A, with three consecutive outings (2 2/3 innings) when he gave up five runs (four earned) and walked five while only striking out two.
But it wasn't that long ago that Díaz looked like he could turn into one of the best closers in the game. If the Dodgers' pitching coaches can work some of their typical magic, they could get Díaz back to fighting form.
The Dodgers are acquiring reliever Alexis Diaz in a trade with the Reds, sources say. Mike Villani, a 13th round pick by the Dodgers in the 2024 draft, is going to the Reds. @JonHeyman and @joelsherman1 were on it.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) May 29, 2025
Dodgers acquire struggling, recently demoted Reds closer Alexis Díaz amid bullpen struggles
Díaz wrapped up his rookie season in 2022 with a 1.84 ERA, 13 holds, and 10 saves, then turned up the heat in 2023, with 37 save opportunities, the third-most in the National League. Despite his struggles last season, he still logged 28 saves.
Villani was a 13th-round pick for the Dodgers last year and made his professional debut in the Arizona Complex League after starting the Single-A season on the IL and embarking on a rehab assignment at the Rookie level.
Díaz doesn't necessarily represent a threat to anyone currently in the Dodgers bullpen — yet. Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Anthony Banda have all been struggling as of late; while the Dodgers would never easily dispose of Scott or even Vesia, Banda (along with spring training breakout Luis García) might have to look over their shoulders if Díaz can clean some stuff up with the Comets.