Dodgers DFA 2x World Series Champion After Impressive Run With Team

February 07, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Anthony Banda pitches during 2025 game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated lefty reliever Anthony Banda for assignment so they could bring catcher Ben Rortvedt back on the 40-man roster via waivers. 

Rortvedt’s been bouncing around all winter, and once the Cincinnati Reds DFA’d him, the Dodgers pounced again, but Banda was the price of admission.

Dodgers DFA Anthony Banda in a roster crunch

Over the last two seasons in Los Angeles, the 32-year-old gave them steady innings and real value as a matchup lefty, posting a 3.14 ERA across 119 appearances, with 111 strikeouts in 114.2 innings. 

He also avoided arbitration with a one-year, $1.625 million deal for 2026, and he is out of options, which makes him tougher to stash when the roster gets tight.

As mentioned, Banda really revived his career since joining the Dodgers, posting an impressive 3.14 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, with 111 strikeouts across 114.2 innings and 119 appearances from 2024-25. Prior to that, he had not really had much success in the MLB, bouncing from team to team.

Ben Rortvedt returns as the Dodgers reshuffle depth

Rortvedt is back because the Dodgers clearly want dependable catching depth they trust, especially after he proved he can handle real run when injuries hit. 

Rortvedt spent some of the 2025 season with the Dodgers, recording a .224/.309/.327 triple-slash line, with one home run, four RBIs, and seven runs scored across 18 games played.

The Dodgers needed a 40-man slot right now, and Banda was the odd man out despite being a useful arm in meaningful spots the last two years. 

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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