​Former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Anthony Banda has sustained a lateral muscle injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Banda, who spent multiple seasons establishing himself as a reliable bullpen arm for the Dodgers, was designated for assignment during the offseason and, after clearing waivers, was traded to the Minnesota Twins. This season with Minnesota, he posted a 4.46 ERA across 34.1 innings, a solid but imperfect showing for a pitcher transitioning to a new club.
Banda enjoyed a notable run of effectiveness beginning in early May, delivering 20.1 innings with a stingy 1.33 ERA. Yet in mid-June, he sustained a lat strain that sidelined him for several weeks and landed him on the 15-day injured list. As the season wore on, Banda and the Twins ultimately opted for surgery, a decision that will prevent him from pitching for the rest of 2026. He remains hopeful about returning for the start of next season, though as with any procedure involving a pitcher’s arm, the timeline could stretch longer if complications arise.
Despite the setback, Banda’s career with the Dodgers helped establish him as a dependable, if not overpowering, reliever. Over parts of four seasons in Los Angeles, he appeared in 119 games, compiling a 3.14 ERA across 114.2 innings. His performance in the 2024 postseason stood out in particular, as he posted a 1.13 ERA over multiple innings of work, underscoring his value in high-leverage situations.
The 2025 season, however, was less favorable for Banda. He yielded six runs across 5.2 innings, a downturn that contrasted sharply with his 2024 postseason form. Still, his impact extended beyond numbers; Banda became a fan favorite in Los Angeles, drawing affection from Dodger fans who appreciated his work ethic and clubhouse presence.
In his farewell message to the Dodgers, Banda reflected on his time with the organization. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute and the chance to grow within a franchise that challenged him, placed trust in him, and pushed him to improve daily. Banda noted that this environment allowed him to play the best baseball of his career, including being part of two World Series championships during his tenure with Los Angeles.
“I came here looking for a chance to contribute. What I found was an organization that challenged me, trusted me, and pushed me to be better every day,” Banda said. “Because of that, I played the best baseball of my life—and I was fortunate enough to be part of two World Series championships along the way. To my teammates—thank you for the work, the preparation, the accountability, and the bond we built in that clubhouse. The standard in that room matters, and I’m proud to have been part of it. To the coaches, staff, and everyone behind the scenes—thank you for the belief and the support that allowed me to grow. And to Dodgers fans—running out to that mound at Dodger Stadium is something I’ll never take for granted. Your energy, passion, and love for the game are special.”
As Banda undergoes surgery and embarks on the road to recovery, the Dodgers’ and Twins’ organizations will monitor his progress closely. The hope is that Banda can regain his pre-injury form and contribute again at the major league level in the near future. For now, though, the focus is on rehabilitation and the anticipation of a successful return to pitch at the highest level, with the potential to resume contributing as a trusted bullpen veteran in the coming seasons.