Dodgers DFA Anthony Banda After Reclaiming Ben Rortvedt

In this post, let’s break down the Dodgers’ latest roster moves. They just designated left-handed reliever Anthony Banda for assignment and picked up catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Reds.

These moves really show how Los Angeles is juggling a crowded 40-man roster with Opening Day right around the corner. They’re also trying to figure out how much catching depth they really need behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.

Dodgers DFA Banda, claim Rortvedt off waivers

The Dodgers cut ties with Anthony Banda, 32, after he’d been a steady bullpen piece during their recent title runs. Banda put up a 3.14 ERA over 119 appearances, but the roster crunch left him without minor-league options and made his arbitration salary a problem for 40-man flexibility.

They made the call mostly because of a crowded group of lefty relievers already on the roster. Guys like Jack Dreyer, Ronan Kopp, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Justin Wrobleski made it tough for Banda to stick around.

With Banda out, the Dodgers’ bullpen for Opening Day looks mostly settled around a core group. There are still a few spots open, though, and those are up for grabs as camp goes on.

Key drivers behind the Banda move

• 40-man roster congestion—Too many left-handers and no options left for Banda, plus his arbitration salary near $1.625 million, forced a tough decision.
• Opening Day certainty—Without Banda, the Dodgers can lean on proven arms like Edwin Diaz, Scott, Brusdar Graterol, Vesia, and Blake Treinen.
• Flexibility for the rest of the staff—They can experiment with the last three bullpen spots, mixing lefties and righties to find the right matchups early on.

Now, the Dodgers shift to a bullpen that still counts on late-inning stability. Dreyer and Wrobleski look like frontrunners for the last couple of bullpen slots.

On the right-handed side, Ben Casparius, Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt, and Will Klein are all in the mix. Any of them could step in if needed during the first part of the season.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles brought back Ben Rortvedt on a waiver claim. He had a solid second-half run with the Dodgers last year, and folks around the team liked his game-calling behind the plate.

Rortvedt hit .224 in limited action but earned trust as a backup. He bounced from the Dodgers to the Reds and back again, which just shows how unpredictable the catcher market gets when options run out.

Rortvedt returns: catching depth and roster math

Like Banda, Rortvedt doesn’t have minor-league options left. That could put him on the bubble again if the Dodgers decide to go with Dalton Rushing as Will Smith’s main backup.

The Dodgers have always liked having extra catching depth behind Smith and Rushing. It’s a smart move, considering how important it is to handle a pitching staff and how quickly injuries or slumps can pop up at catcher.

From a roster math angle, the Dodgers have to figure out if they want to keep Rortvedt as a third catcher. If not, they risk losing him on waivers just to keep another pitcher who might have more long-term value.

It all comes down to whether they value catching depth more than the chance to add another arm to the bullpen. Either way, it’s another example of how the Dodgers are trying to balance a tight budget with a crowded 40-man as spring training heats up.

What this means for the backup catcher question

Heading into spring, the Dodgers want to keep strong game-calling and depth behind Smith. They’re also eyeing how Rushing might fit as a full-time backup if Rortvedt ends up on waivers.

The competition could push the club to keep Rortvedt for his defense and veteran vibe in the clubhouse. Or maybe they’ll risk losing him if someone else steps up from the minors or pops up on the waiver wire.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers DFA left-hander Banda after re-claiming C Rortvedt