Anthony

Banda

It’s the first save of the season for Banda, who was called upon to close out the game for the Twins, who are lacking a viable option in the ninth inning. Banda had a rough April, but has enjoyed a decent bounce back in May. Despite a 4.15 ERA on the month, Banda hasn’t allowed a run in his last six outings. If he continues to pitch well, it’s possible he earns another save opportunity the next time the Twins are in need of a ninth inning guy.

The 32-year-old southpaw had been designated for assignment by the Dodgers over the weekend, so they were willing to flip him for anything that they could get at this stage. Banda registered a 3.18 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and a 61/34 K/BB ratio over 65 innings as a key cog in the Dodgers’ bullpen during the 2025 season.

The Dodgers needed a roster spot for Ben Rortvedt, so they will hope that Banda’s $1.65 million contract prevents anybody from claiming him on waivers. Of course, that gamble didn’t pay off with Rortvedt earlier in the offseason. Banda posted a 3.18 ERA in 65 innings for Los Angeles last season.

That takes care of the Dodgers’ arbitration eligibles for 2026. Banda gets a $625,000 raise for his 3.18 ERA in 65 innings last season. Although he debuted back in 2017 with the Diamondbacks, he’s only at four-plus years of service time, meaning he’ll again be arbitration eligible in 2027.

As expected, Kershaw finds himself back in Los Angeles’ pitching plans to operate out of the bullpen to combat Philadelphia’s elite left sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper during the best-of-five series. Southpaw reliever Anthony Banda is also back on the roster as additional left-handed depth with Justin Wrobleski and Edgardo Hernandez left off.

Banda will attempt to neutralize the prominent left-handed sluggers atop Philadelphia’s lineup, most notably National League home run king Kyle Schwarber and generational talent Bryce Harper. He figures to be followed by Sheehan for a bulk relief outing.

Scott was summoned to close out the game with a one-run lead over the Diamondbacks in the ninth inning. He surrendered a solo homer to Gabriel Moreno to tie the game. With the game going to extras, Scott remained in to pitch the tenth and gave up a two-run homer to Corbin Carroll to put Arizona ahead. Anthony Banda would record the final out and fall in line for the win after Los Angeles walked it off in the bottom of the frame. It was Scott’s third blown save and first runs he’s allowed since April 22, breaking an eight-game scoreless streak.

Banda did a nice job out of the Dodgers’ bullpen when healthy during the 2024 season, posting a 3.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and a 50/18 K/BB ratio across 49 2/3 innings in his 48 appearances. Barring anything crazy and unexpected, he should once again open the season in a middle relief role in a deep and talented Dodgers’ bullpen.

Banda went on the injured list in early September after he suffered a hairline fracture in his pitching hand from hitting a solid object in frustration. His return is a welcome sight for the Dodgers, who need every remaining healthy arm they have as they head into the playoffs.

It’s the second bullpen session for Banda since he made the decision to try and fight an inanimate object and broke his hand. The plan now is for the 31-year-old to face hitters in the coming days, and the Dodgers plan to have the left-hander active before the end of the regular season. Banda is one of their better relievers, so getting him back for the postseason would be significant.