Sports

Reds cut ties with Alexis Díaz, trade former All-Star to Dodgers

CHICAGO – In a move that was months in coming, the Cincinnati Reds have moved on from former All-Star closer Alexis Díaz.

The Reds and Dodgers have agreed to a trade to send Diaz to Los Angeles for a minor leaguer, the club announced Thursday, May 29.

Diaz had struggled since the second half of his 2023 All-Star season, eventually giving way to veteran Emilio Pagán as the closer this season.

Diaz has been in the minors since the club optioned him to Class AAA Louisville on April 30 after command issues persisted into the early season.

In six appearances with the Reds this season, he allowed eight runs on five walks and eight hits, including four home runs, in just six innings. He also hit two batters and had just three strikeouts.

The Reds received minor league right-handed pitcher Mike Villani in the deal. Villani, who was drafted in the 13th round out of Long Beach State last year, just made his professional debut this week, in rookie ball.

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