The Los Angeles Dodgers designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment just five days after claiming him off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
The Dodgers re-signed relief pitcher Evan Phillips to a one-year, $6.5 million deal Wednesday, and placed Rortvedt on waivers to clear a spot on the roster. The Dodgers designated left-hander Anthony Banda for assignment to make room for the catcher on the roster Friday, and the reliever is still on waivers.
What Will the Dodgers Do Without Ben Rortvedt?
Rortvedt came to the Dodgers in 2025 at the trade deadline, and came up to the big leagues in September when catchers Will Smith and Dalton Rushing landed on the injured list.
He made 18 appearances and received heavy praise from manager Dave Roberts during the regular season, and found his way onto the postseason roster.
While Rortvedt made a big impact with the Dodgers, they should be fine the 28-year-old on the squad. Smith and Rushing are both healthy, and the L.A. has made a point to keep fewer than three catchers on their 40-man roster all offseason.
Will Evan Phillips Pitch in 2026?
Phillips, 31, played for L.A. from 2021-25, but spent most of his last season with the Dodgers on the injured list after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
The veteran reliever underwent his surgery June 2025, meaning he won’t be available for the beginning of the season. He could return before the end of 2026, though, and gives the Dodgers another solid option coming out of the bullpen.
During his five-season tenure with the Dodgers so far, Phillips has made 201 appearances and has a 2.22 ERA. He has served as a high-leverage guy for the Dodgers during his time with the reigning World Series champions, which will be useful considering their shortcomings in the bullpen last season.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman commented on bringing Phillips back earlier in the offseason.
“We had a number of back and forth discussions with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said. “ It is challenging with him coming off surgery so he is going to take some time and look to sign after he throws off the mound when his rehab allows. Evan has been a big part of our past success and we will continue the conversation about bringing him back. We respect that he is taking this time to decide what is best for him and his family.”
After signing another top-class reliever, the Dodgers are clearly gearing up for another postseason run as they chase their third consecutive World Series title.