Dodgers Make Stunning Decision on Fan-Favorite Reliever From Two Championship Runs

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising roster move Friday, designating left-handed reliever Anthony Banda for assignment just days before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training in Arizona. 

The decision came as a corresponding move after the Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt, a transaction that immediately drew attention given Banda’s role in the team’s recent championship success. 

While roster shuffling is common this time of year, moving on from a bullpen arm who logged meaningful innings during back-to-back World Series runs caught many by surprise.

Banda, 32, had become a familiar and trusted presence in the Dodgers’ bullpen over the past two seasons. 

Across 2024 and 2025, he posted a combined 3.14 ERA while going 8-3 and striking out 111 hitters. 

He offered consistent middle-relief stability and was a key bullpen arm against left-handed hitters. 

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Dodgers Create Roster Space by Claiming Ben Rortvedt

The immediate catalyst for Banda’s designation was the Dodgers’ decision to bring back catcher Ben Rortvedt, a move that required a corresponding 40-man roster spot.

Rortvedt adds depth behind the plate, particularly from a defensive standpoint. 

Rortvedt proved to be a valuable addition in 2025, stepping in seamlessly while Will Smith was sidelined with injury. 

His steady presence behind the plate drew praise from several of the Dodgers’ top pitchers, who credited his game-calling and defensive reliability during that stretch that kept the Dodgers afloat in a tight NL West divisional race. 

But the cost of that flexibility proved steep.

Multiple reports noted the surprise internally and externally that Banda was the odd man out, especially given his durability and versatility. 

In 2025 alone, Banda finished with 65.0 innings pitched, 61 strikeouts, and a .197 opponents’ batting average. 

He frequently emerged as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable bullpen arms during stretches when several others struggled to find consistency.

Several relievers endured inconsistent stretches, including Tanner Scott, yet all remained on the roster, making Banda’s designation as the odd man out even more striking.

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Anthony Banda: Fan Favorite and Key Playoff Performer

What makes the decision even more jarring is Banda’s postseason track record. 

Over his career with the Dodgers, Banda has appeared in 17 postseason games, compiling a 4.61 ERA with 14 strikeouts while frequently being trusted in key moments. 

During the 2025 playoffs, Banda delivered when it mattered most early. 

He tossed 1.0 scoreless inning in the NL Division Series and followed that with 1.67 scoreless innings in the NL Championship Series. 

His struggles came in the World Series, where he allowed six earned runs over three innings, a rough stretch that stood out against an otherwise productive October. 

Still, Banda had also played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2024 championship run.

He provided scoreless innings against the Yankees and helped stabilize a bullpen that leaned heavily on matchups. 

Beyond the results, Banda became a fan favorite at Dodger Stadium. 

He often drew loud reactions when he emerged from the bullpen, a reflection of the trust fans had in him during high-leverage spots.

Now, despite his recent success and popularity with the fan base, Banda finds himself on the roster bubble. 

Whether he clears waivers or lands elsewhere quickly, his departure serves as a reminder that even championship contributors aren’t immune to roster changes.

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