LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers’ latest roster churn has brought back one member of their 2025 championship team and left another in DFA limbo.

The Dodgers reclaimed catcher Ben Rortvedt on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Rortvedt was waived by the Dodgers in November and claimed by the Reds at that time. The Reds designated Rortvedt for assignment this week in order to clear a roster spot for their free-agent signing of third baseman Eugenio Suarez.

Rortvedt signed a $1.2 million contract to avoid arbitration before he was designated for assignment by the Dodgers. He is out of options and cannot be sent to the minors without clearing waivers, setting up an interesting competition for the backup catcher spot with Dalton Rushing.

In order to add Rortvedt to the roster, however, the Dodgers designated left-handed reliever Anthony Banda for assignment.

The well-traveled Banda found a temporary home in the Dodgers’ bullpen when he was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations in May 2024. The Dodgers were Banda’s eighth major-league team and he had his most successful run with them, posting a 3.14 ERA in 119 appearances over the past two seasons and making 17 postseason appearances during the Dodgers’ run to two World Series titles.

But the Dodgers have five left-handed relievers on their 40-man roster even after DFAing Banda – Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Justin Wrobleski, Jack Dreyer and Ronan Kopp (added to the 40-man roster in November).

However, the Dodgers could be trying the same maneuver they tried with Rortvedt and infielder Andy Ibanez, hoping Banda’s contract dissuades teams from claiming him on waivers (and many teams’ 40-man rosters are full heading into spring training next week). In his last year of arbitration eligibility, Banda signed a one-year, $1.625 million contract earlier this offseason.

The maneuver didn’t stop the Reds from claiming Rortvedt and his $1.25 million salary in November – and it didn’t stop the A’s from claiming Ibanez and his $1.2 million salary on Friday. Ibanez signed with the Dodgers as a free agent in January but was DFAed earlier this week when the Dodgers reclaimed outfielder Michael Siani on waivers from the New York Yankees.

Banda’s recent run of success could also allow the Dodgers to find a trade partner before placing him on waivers.

LEGENDS HONOR

Former Dodgers player and coach Reggie Smith will be the next inductee into the team’s Legends of Dodgers Baseball. Smith will be honored before the August 15 game at Dodger Stadium.

Smith will become the 10th player honored, joining Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Don Newcombe, Maury Wills, Kirk Gibson, Manny Mota and Dusty Baker.

A native of Compton, Smith spent 17 seasons in the big leagues including six with the Dodgers during which he made three All-Star teams and played in three World Series including the Dodgers’ victory in 1981. In 1977, he was part of the first foursome of teammates to each hit 30 home runs (Cey, Garvey, Baker and Smith).

Smith rejoined the Dodgers’ organization as a minor-league coach and major-league hitting coach (1995-98). He was also part of Team USA’s coaching staff when Tommy Lasorda led the American team to a gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics.