The mile-high air in Colorado is known to take its toll on a pitching staff. As such, the Los Angeles Dodgers have called up reliever Paul Gervase and optioned reliever Alexis Díaz to Triple-A Oklahoma City, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. The right-handers trade places as the Dodgers look to maintain their slim lead in the National League West as they take on the Colorado Rockies.
Dodgers Call Up Paul Gervase, Option Alexis Díaz
The Dodgers recalled RHP Paul Gervase and optioned RHP Alexis Diaz.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 20, 2025
A Work in Progress
Los Angeles has suffered multiple injuries to their right-handed bullpen arms. As a result, they traded for Díaz earlier this year. The right-hander was a former All-Star for the Cincinnati Reds, and has struggled to regain the control he had in 2022-2023. A reclamation project of sorts, the former closer has shown flashes of his former self. In nine games, he has struck out nine batters and notched one save, but still has a 5.00 ERA. While it is down from 9.00 from earlier this season, Díaz’s walk and home run rate remain high, and there is still room for improvement.
An Under-the-Radar Trade
For his part, Paul Gervase was acquired at the trade deadline as part of a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cincinnati Reds. Since being in the Dodgers’ system, the 6’10” hurler has impressed. In five games at Oklahoma City, he has gone 8 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts and one walk. He has allowed two runs on six hits, which comes out to a 2.08 ERA.
Are They Finally Getting Healthy?
Right-handers Michael Kopech, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott are all on rehab assignments. Kopech has had a couple of appearances and is still trying to get his repertoire under control. Yates and Scott pitched a scoreless inning each last night. All three could join the Dodgers’ bullpen at the end of next week. Los Angeles could use the reinforcements, as the National League West division race will probably come down to the wire.
Main Photro Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
