Login
Reliever Anthony Banda Opens Up About Being DFA’d by Dodgers
After winning back-to-back World Series championships with the franchise, Anthony Banda said he was shocked when the Los Angeles Dodgers designated him for assignment in February.
The Dodgers designated Banda for assignment on Feb. 6 to make room on the 40-man roster for catcher Ben Rortvedt. Five days later, Los Angeles designated Rortvedt for assignment to open a roster spot for reliever Evan Phillips, who signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Dodgers.
“Don’t get me wrong I love that organization and everyone involved in it. They’ve done right by me, loved me. Everything about it was great,” Banda said on Foul Territory. “When I got the phone call, it was more like shock. I couldn’t get any words out. I was so shocked.”
"I couldn't get any words out. I was so shocked."
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 12, 2026
Anthony Banda recalls the moment he got the call from the Dodgers after being designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/2uFxev9vAs
The Minnesota Twins acquired Banda from the Dodgers on Feb. 12 in exchange for international bonus pool money and future considerations.
Banda Was Involved in Dodgers Trade Rumors
The Dodgers had multiple left-handed relievers in the bullpen, which made Banda a frequent name involved in trade rumors. Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski are all southpaws still in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Wrobleski has performed well in spring training and could join the starting rotation in 2026.
Banda said even though he was not expecting to be designated for assignment, he knew there was a possibility he would be traded.
“I wasn’t shocked in the sense of maybe a potential trade at some point. I’m not oblivious there’s a lot of lefties, and they’re really talented,” Banda said on Foul Territory.
The Twins mark the 13th MLB franchise Banda has been a part of throughout his career. Banda spent two seasons with the Dodgers in 2024 and 2025, which was his second-longest stint with an organization. He played three seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018-20.
With the Dodgers, Banda won two World Series championships. He posted a 1.13 ERA and 11 strikeouts through eight innings in the 2024 postseason run. In the 2025 postseason, Banda did not give up a run until he gave up six across 1.6 innings in the World Series.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The post Reliever Anthony Banda Opens Up About Being DFA’d by Dodgers appeared first on LA Sports Report.
