While the Los Angeles Dodgers are getting ready for Spring Training, the club made a couple of interesting moves on Friday.

One of them saw the Dodgers designate pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment, while Los Angeles claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.

These moves sort of came out of the blue, so let's break down what happened.

As for Rortvedt, he came over to the Dodgers in a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays and Reds, according to Dodgers Nation. Rortvedt was on the roster when the Dodgers won the 2025 World Series over the Toronto Blue Jays. In four postseason appearances, Rortvedt hit .429 with one RBI.

Rortvedt played a vital role at catcher after Will Smith and Dalton Rushing were forced out of action with injuries. 

Now, he's back with the Dodgers.

Banda's move was made after Los Angeles decided to bring back Rortvedt.

He was able to come on when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts needed an effective left-handed pitcher and perform well. 

Banda had a role in both Dodgers' World Series victories in 2024 and 2025. It's going to be worth watching just who picks Banda up at this point. He's going to land somewhere in the majors and will pitch well wherever he goes.

What's interesting about these moves on Friday is that both players are reportedly well-received and liked by their teammates. So, some Dodgers players, while happy to see Rortvedt back, will have mixed feelings about Banda no longer on the roster. 

Some Dodgers players are already at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Glendale, Ariz., getting in some work before Spring Training officially starts.

Roberts will have to size up his pitching staff and review who's on it after the Banda move has been made. He probably didn't want to see Banda DFA'd himself, yet he'll be able to have Rortvedt as an option at catcher.

How will Los Angeles approach using Rortvedt now that he's back? That will be something to watch while Spring Training gets started in earnest. He's going to need some time behind the plate. It's possible that Rortvedt gets a start or two in these games, allowing him to get ready for the regular season.

Dodgers fans might have their own heartstrings tugged a bit as they try and make sense of the Banda DFA and the Rortvedt addition. Luckily, the regular season isn't starting for some time. This will allow them, along with Roberts and the rest of the Dodgers, time to adjust their aspirations for team members.

Of course, the biggest aspiration this season is to win a third straight World Series championship.

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