Dodgers Acquire Alexis Diaz, Phillips Placed on Injured List

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Dodgers have obtained right-handed relief pitcher Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds. The trade involved sending minor league right-hander Mike Villani to Cincinnati.

To accommodate Diaz on their 40-man roster, the Dodgers moved right-hander Evan Phillips to the 60-day injured list.

Diaz had a strong rookie year in 2022, finishing fifth in voting for all National League (NL) rookies. He was selected for the NL All-Star team in 2023, posting a 9-6 record, a 3.07 ERA, and 37 saves.

However, his performance declined after 2022 and 2023, continuing into the current season. He lost his role as closer to Emilio Pagan earlier this year. In 2025, he has pitched in six games, giving up eight runs in six innings, resulting in a 12.00 ERA.

Despite earning $4.5 million this season, Diaz was demoted to Triple-A on May 1, playing for the Louisville Bats. There, he struggled, recording a 4.63 ERA, two losses in three games, and only two saves in 14 appearances.

Villani, a 22-year-old, was drafted by the Dodgers in the 13th round in 2024. He has not yet debuted in MLB. He began this season at the Rookie Ball level.

Phillips was placed on the injured list on May 7 due to an elbow injury, and his return timeline is uncertain. Manager Dave Roberts expressed concern earlier in the week, noting that Phillips’ inability to begin a throwing program was “a little concerning.”