Dodgers just gave Reds fans the ultimate vindication with latest roster move

There were a lot of grumbles from the Cincinnati Reds fanbase earlier this season when Alexis Diaz was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not so much because the Reds decided to part with their All-Star closer, but the return was rather underwhelming.

After struggling at the outset of the season, the Reds traded Diaz to the Dodgers in exchange for minor-league pitcher Mike Villani. The young right-hander owns an unsightly 8.71 ERA at the Single-A level and has 16 walks across 20⅔ innings of work with the Daytona Tortugas this season.

But the Dodgers may have just vindicated the Reds decision to dump Diaz — even though the return has been disappointing. On Wednesday, the Dodgers optioned Diaz back to the minor leagues in order to call up right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase.

Dodgers just gave Reds fans the ultimate vindication after optioning Alexis Diaz back to the minor leagues

Diaz was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma, meaning that unless LA's bullpen incurs an injury in the coming days, the former Reds closer won't be on Dodgers' active roster when Cincinnati visits Chavez Ravine as they wrap up their 10-day road trip next week in Southern California.

Diaz was an All-Star with the Reds in 2023. That season, the right-hander was among the best relievers in all of baseball heading into the Midsummer Classic. In 41 games, Diaz owned a sparkling 2.03 ERA, and though his walk rate (11.7%) was a little higher than most fans would've liked, he was striking out 37.4% of the batters he faced. Diaz also racked up 26 saves before the All-Star break.

After that, however, everything changed for Diaz. In his 96 appearances from July 16, 2023 until being traded this past May, Diaz's posted a 4.72 ERA, 5.43 FIP, and struck out only 83 batters over 89⅔ innings work. His strikeout rate dipped to 20.9%, but he was still walking over 13% of the opposing batters.

Diaz has made just nine appearances for Los Angeles since the trade and has a 5.00 ERA and 4.47 FIP. Diaz has nine punch outs in nine innings pitched, but his latest outing against the San Diego Padres on August 17 was the last straw. He lasted just ⅓ of an inning, hit a batter, and allowed a run before manager Dave Roberts lifted him from the game.

The return may've been rather light, but the Reds are a better team without Diaz on the active roster. Emilio Pagán has taken over closing duties this season, and Tony Santillan has been one of the most reliable relievers for Cincinnati this season.

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