The Dodgers roster moves announced on February 6, 2026, involved changes to both the pitching staff and catching depth. The Los Angeles Dodgers designated left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment. On the same day, the team claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers. Both transactions were reported by Reuters.
These Dodgers roster moves were made as the club adjusted its 40-man roster before the start of the 2026 season. The decisions affected players who were out of minor league options and required immediate roster resolution.
Dodgers Roster Moves Involving Anthony Banda
Anthony Banda had agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers in January 2026. The agreement avoided salary arbitration. Banda served as a left-handed relief option in the Dodgers bullpen during the 2025 season.
During the previous season, Banda appeared in numerous games and recorded multiple wins. He had been part of the Dodgers’ bullpen rotation throughout the year. After the designation for assignment, the Dodgers had a limited window to trade Banda, place him on waivers, or release him.
Banda has pitched for several Major League Baseball teams during his career. He entered the 2026 season without remaining minor league options, which limited roster flexibility.
Dodgers Roster Moves Add Catcher Ben Rortvedt
As part of the Dodgers roster moves, the team claimed Ben Rortvedt off waivers and added him to the 40-man roster. Rortvedt had been designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the week. The move followed roster changes made by Cincinnati.
Rortvedt is a catcher with major league experience across multiple teams. His career includes time with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Dodgers. He had previously been acquired by Los Angeles during the 2025 season.
Rortvedt had also been claimed by Cincinnati in November 2025. Like Banda, he was out of minor league options at the time of the transaction.
Roster Context for the 2026 Season
These Dodgers roster moves adjusted depth at key positions as the team prepared for spring training. The changes impacted bullpen composition and catching options. Both players’ contract statuses played a role in the timing of the transactions.
The Dodgers entered the 2026 season with updated roster flexibility following these decisions.