Anthony Banda
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 28 2025Banda allowed one hit and walked one batter while striking out one over one-third of an inning to earn a hold against Kansas City on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda entered with two outs and nobody on base in the seventh inning. He began the frame by allowing a Vinnie Pasquantino double before intentionally walking Salvador Perez. However, Banda was able to get Jac Caglianone on a swinging strikeout to end the frame. It wasn't the smoothest outing for the southpaw, but it was a decent bounce-back outing after he surrendered three earned runs over two-thirds of an inning in his previous appearance. Banda has been getting more high-leverage work of late with four holds across his past seven outings, and he's held the opponent scoreless in 10 of his past 11 appearances.
May 19 2025Banda (3-1) took the loss against the Angels on Sunday, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two batters over two innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda entered with the Angels up by three runs in the seventh inning and tossed a 1-2-3 frame. The Dodgers tied the game with three runs in the bottom of the inning, but Banda couldn't hold the lead, giving up a solo homer to Travis d'Arnaud in the eighth. That was the only run the lefty reliever surrendered, but it was enough to hand him his first defeat of the campaign. Banda was a bit of a revelation for the Dodgers last year, but he's been less effective this season with a 4.37 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 22.2 innings. He's held the opponent scoreless in 16 of his 22 outings but has given up multiple runs in five of his other six trips to the mound.
Apr 6 2025Banda (3-0) picked up the win against Philadelphia on Saturday, pitching one perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Roki Sasaki logged another short outing (four-plus innings) for Los Angeles, and Banda took over in the fourth with a pair of runners on base and nobody out. He managed to escape the jam with the help of some poor Phillies baserunning -- after J.T. Realmuto advanced to third on a flyout, Bryson Stott was thrown out at first for a double play on another flyball that would have easily scored Realmuto. Still, it was another effective performance for Banda, who has pitched five scoreless frames over five outings to begin the campaign. He leads MLB with three wins, though given the unpredictable nature of reliever victories, that doesn't mean much for fantasy purposes.
Jan 9 2025Banda agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander inked a minor-league deal with the Guardians last winter and was dealt to the Dodgers in May, and he proved to be an effective bullpen piece for Los Angeles with a 3.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 50:18 K:BB over 49.2 regular-season innings. Banda tallied two saves, eight holds and also started two games, and he could fill a similarly versatile role in 2025.
Sep 29 2024Banda is opening Sunday's game against the Rockies, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Landon Knack will serve as the primary pitcher after Banda exits, foreshadowing how the Dodgers might use Knack in the postseason. Banda returned from the injured list Thursday to throw a scoreless 1.1 innings against the Padres.
Sep 26 2024Banda (hand) was activated from the injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda has been sidelined since Sept. 9 after fracturing his left hand. He had factored into the save picture before being sidelined, though he's more likely to work in a setup role to conclude the regular season and into the playoffs.
Sep 20 2024Banda (hand) threw a bullpen session Thursday and is scheduled to throw another one over the weekend, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Dave Roberts said Friday that if Banda is able to get through his next round of mound work without any issues, there is a good chance the he is activated from the injured list when eligible Wednesday. The 31-year-old has been on the injured list since Sept. 10 due to a hairline fracture in his left (throwing) hand.
Sep 16 2024Banda (hand) has started to play catch at the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda is less than a week removed from going on the 15-day injured list with a fractured left hand, so it's a good sign that he's already throwing. The club remains hopeful that he can make it back before the end of the regular season. Banda has been a nice find for the Dodgers this season, although he had struggled lately before going on the IL, allowing seven runs over his last four appearances.
Sep 10 2024The Dodgers placed Banda on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a left hand fracture. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda will be held out until at least Sept. 25 as a result of his injury, though it's possible he misses more than the minimum amount of time considering the fracture is on his throwing hand. Brusdar Graterol (hamstring) was reinstated from the 15-day IL in a corresponding move.
Aug 26 2024Banda allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was the closer of choice for manager Dave Roberts on Sunday and got the job done while navigating around a one-out base hit. That's Banda's second save this month and sixth straight outing without allowing a run. He's having a stellar turnaround season in his first year with the Dodgers, posting a 2.18 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB in 41.1 innings.
Aug 4 2024Banda struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda got the save opportunity after all of Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia and Daniel Hudson were deployed between the fifth and eighth innings. It was a drama-free experience for Banda, who needed just 12 pitches (nine strikes) to retire the side. Hudson, who has been the favorite for saves lately, pitched against the heart of the Athletics' order in the eighth inning. Bullpen depth has been a strength for the Dodgers this year, and Banda's been a successful part of that with a 2.16 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 34:14 K:BB over 33.1 innings while adding five holds and a 1-1 record. Banda is still more likely to work in low-leverage spots, but Sunday's outing is proof he can handle bigger moments.
Jul 11 2024Banda will start Thursday's game against the Phillies, SportsNet LA reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda has a 2.05 ERA and 20:12 K:BB over 22 innings this season and will make his first start since 2022 on Thursday. The lefty will likely cover only an inning or two before turning things over to the bullpen, with Landon Knack a candidate to work as the bulk reliever.
Jun 30 2024Banda issued one walk and struck out two batters over one scoreless frame in Saturday's extra-innings victory against San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda entered in the seventh frame and preserved a 6-6 tie with his scoreless inning. The lefty reliever has been excellent since joining Los Angeles in mid-May, posting a 0.98 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB over 18.1 innings of mostly low-leverage work. Those numbers are a stark contrast to the 5.69 ERA and 1.64 WHIP he caried over 118.2 frames across his first seven major-league campaigns.
May 20 2024Banda (1-0) earned the win over Cincinnati on Sunday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being acquired in a trade with Cleveland on Friday, Banda was brought up to Los Angeles on Sunday and was asked to keep the Reds offense at bay in the top of the 10th inning. The southpaw was successful in doing so, keeping the automatic runner from coming home in a nine-pitch frame. Banda bounced between six teams over the past four campaigns and hasn't yet shown an extended run of MLB success, so he's likely to work primarily in lower-leverage spots with the Dodgers for the time being.
May 19 2024The Dodgers selected Banda's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander was acquired from the Guardians for cash considerations Friday and will join the Dodgers without making an appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma City. Banda allowed five earned runs over seven innings for Washington last year but has a 2.12 ERA in 12 appearances at the Triple-A level in 2024.
May 17 2024Banda was traded from the Guardians to the Dodgers for cash considerations Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda will head to Los Angeles after playing with the Guardians' Triple-A affiliate in Colombus. The 30-year-old left-hander logged a 2.12 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 25:6 K:BB across 17.0 IP with the Clippers this season.
Sep 3 2022Banda was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda signed a major-league contract with the Yankees last weekend and made two relief appearances for the club during his time on the active roster. He allowed three runs on two hits and five walks while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning and will be cast off the 40-man roster after Ryan Weber's contract was selected Saturday.
Aug 28 2022Banda signed a major-league contract with the Yankees on Sunday and was added to the 26-man roster. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander joined the Mariners on a minor-league deal in early August, but he recently elected free agency and has now landed a deal with the Yankees. Banda has appeared in 30 games between Pittsburgh and Toronto this year and has a 5.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB across 26 innings.
Aug 9 2022Banda agreed to a minor-league deal with the Mariners on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was cut loose by the Blue Jays over the weekend a month after being acquired from the Pirates, and he'll now join his third team of 2022. The left-hander has a 5.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB over 26 major-league innings this year.
Aug 2 2022The Blue Jays designated Banda for assignment Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Toronto traded for Anthony Bass and Zach Pop to fortify the bullpen, so Banda was expendable. Banda had a 5.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 26 innings through 30 appearances.
Jul 7 2022Banda will serve as the opener during Thursday's game against the Mariners, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was traded from the Pirates to the Blue Jays on Saturday, and he tossed a scoreless relief inning during his team debut Monday. The southpaw hasn't made a start since 2018 but will work ahead of primary pitcher Casey Lawrence during Thursday's matchup.
Jul 2 2022Banda was traded from the Pirates to the Blue Jays for cash considerations Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh on Monday, but he'll land a spot on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster. If the southpaw joins the major-league roster at some point, he should serve as a middle reliever after he posted a 6.41 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in 19.2 innings over 23 relief appearances to begin the year.
Jun 27 2022The Pirates designated Banda for assignment Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was booted off the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster with the Pirates needing to clear room for right-hander Miguel Yajure, who was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Monday's game in Washington. Over his 23 appearances with Pittsburgh this season, Banda had languished in a middle-relief role, turning in a 6.41 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in 19.2 innings.
Jun 14 2022Banda allowed three earned runs on four hits while recording just one out Monday against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda entered the game with runners on second and third in the sixth inning while protecting a five-run lead. He allowed a double to the first batter he faced and then served up a three-run home run to Dylan Carlson to blow the lead. Banda has been charged with multiple earned runs in three of his last eight appearances, which has inflated his ERA to 6.59 on the season.
May 3 2022Banda (illness) was activated from the injured list Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda had been sidelined due to pneumonia but is now over the illness. Prior to his absence, he'd thrown 4.1 innings of relief, giving up one run on four hits while striking out five and walking none. Aaron Fletcher was optioned to clear a roster spot.
May 1 2022Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Banda (illness) was able to complete a simulated game earlier in the weekend, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Facing hitters without issue represents a step forward for Banda, who was placed on the injured list Tuesday after developing pneumonia. The Pirates are hopeful that the 28-year-old lefty will be able to return from the IL at some point during their six-game road trip that begins Tuesday in Detroit.
Apr 26 2022The Pirates placed Banda on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a non-COVID-19-related viral illness, retroactive to April 23. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Unless Banda later tests positive for the coronavirus and reverts to the COVID-19 IL, he'll have to miss at least 10 days while he recovers from his current ailment. The Pirates called up fellow lefty reliever Sam Howard from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Banda in the bullpen.
Aug 3 2021Manager Derek Shelton said that Banda is expected to be activated Wednesday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was claimed off waivers from the Mets on Monday, and with the southpaw out of minor-league options, he must be added to the big-league roster if Pittsburgh intends to keep him under control. Banda will join the Pirates' bullpen having posted a 7.36 ERA and 2.05 WHIP across 7.1 major-league innings this season.
Aug 2 2021The Pirates claimed Banda off waivers from the Mets on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so Pittsburgh will need to clear a spot for him on the 26-man active roster ahead of Monday's series opener in Milwaukee. The 27-year-old lefty has made five career big-league starts, but he's worked in long relief over his five appearances with the Mets in 2021, giving up six runs on 14 hits and a walk over 7.1 innings. Pittsburgh will likely plug Banda into the bullpen initially, but he could emerge as a rotation option if the Pirates' starting depth is tested over the final two months of the season.
Jul 31 2021Banda was designated for assignment by the Mets on Saturday, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was promoted to the majors in mid-July after being acquired from the Giants at the start of the month, and he lost his spot on the 40-man roster after surrendering eight runs (six earned) on 14 hits with a 7:1 K:BB across 7.1 innings. The left-hander could report to Triple-A Syracuse if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
Jul 20 2021Banda (1-0) gave up two unearned runs on four hits over 1.1 innings of relief Monday, blowing the save but recording the win in a 15-11 extra-innings victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Added to the roster Monday, Banda was called into action immediately after Edwin Diaz blew the save in the ninth inning, but the southpaw allowed Cincy's phantom runner to score in both the 10th and 11th. Given his career 5.81 ERA in the majors, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Banda shuffled back to Triple-A to make room for a fresh bullpen arm, but if he does stick around, he'll likely remain in a long-relief role.
Jul 19 2021Banda was called up by the Mets on Monday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda joined the Mets in a trade from the Giants in early July. He owns a 5.96 ERA in 51.1 career major-league innings, none of which have come this season. In 49.2 Triple-A innings split between the two organizations this season, he's struggled to a 6.52 ERA.
Nov 1 2020Banda was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento and signed to a minor-league contract for the 2021 season Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He gave up eight earned runs in seven innings over four appearances this season. Banda was once a somewhat prominent pitching prospect, but injuries and poor performance have led to his stock fading. He has logged fewer than 15 innings in the majors in each of the last three seasons.
Aug 30 2020Banda was designated for assignment by the Rays on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda imploded in his relief appearance Sunday as he allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out one over one inning. The Rays were still able to pick up the win behind a strong offensive showing, but Banda will lose his spot on the 40-man roster. The southpaw recorded a 10.29 ERA and 4:5 K:BB over seven innings this season.
Aug 22 2020Banda (1-0) picked up the win Saturday in a 2-1 extra-inning victory over the Blue Jays, walking one batter in a scoreless 10th inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw was the seventh pitcher of the night for the Rays, and while Banda made things interesting by walking Cavan Biggio to lead off the 10th, he eventually cleaned up the mess by coaxing an inning-ending double play out of Travis Shaw. Banda has appeared in two games since being added to the roster and collected a win and a three-inning save, but he doesn't seem a likely candidate for consistent high-leverage usage.
Aug 14 2020Banda was credited with the save in a win over the Red Sox on Thursday, allowing three earned runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman over three innings. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw came on in a low-leverage scenario after the Rays already had a 16-5 lead through six innings, but because he logged three full innings, he still was credited with his first big-league save. Banda wasn't exactly sharp -- he threw only 35 of 58 pitches for strikes and plunked Kevin Pillar -- but his ability to throw multiple innings came in handy on a night when the potential was there for the Rays to dig deep into the bullpen. Banda was promoted from the taxi squad earlier in the day Thursday, and he could remain on the active roster until at least one of Yonny Chirinos (triceps) or Charlie Morton (shoulder) comes off the injured list.
Aug 13 2020The Rays recalled Banda from their taxi squad Thursday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda will tentatively slot into the bullpen as a replacement for Aaron Slegers, who was optioned to the taxi squad in a corresponding move. However, with both Yonny Chirinos (triceps) and Charlie Morton (shoulder) on the injured list, the Rays will have two vacancies in the rotation Friday and Saturday against the Blue Jays, so Banda could be a candidate to fill either opening if he isn't needed in Thursday's series finale with the Red Sox. Banda missed most of the 2019 campaign while completing his rehab from Tommy John surgery, but he made three appearances for the Rays in September, giving up three earned runs over four innings.
Jul 10 2020Banda, who recorded two strikeouts over two scoreless innings in Friday's simulated game, is a candidate to potentially see some spot starts if the current absences of multiple Rays pitchers extend into the regular season, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The trio of Tyler Glasnow, Yonny Chirinos and Brendan McKay are all currently missing from summer camp workouts for undisclosed reasons, leaving open the possibility at least some of them may have produced a positive COVID-19 test. Any such scenario would make the potential return date of the affected player difficult to pin down for the time being, and Toribio reports Banda could be one of the options manager Kevin Cash turns to if there are spot starts for the taking early in the season. Banda is now more than a year removed from Tommy John surgery, and he's reportedly looked better with respect to velocity and his breaking pitches as compared to his September big-league stint last season. Additionally, Banda has now added a cutter to his arsenal, and manager Kevin Cash has praised the young left-hander for pitching "fearlessly."
Jul 7 2020Banda was one of four pitchers to throw live batting practice during Monday's summer camp workout, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Banda was able to throw regularly while spring training was suspended, so his arm is presumably in good condition overall in the early stages of the official ramp-up to the regular season. Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports Banda was able to strike out Hunter Renfroe and Brandon Lowe in Tuesday's session after walking the first batter he faced, Mike Zunino. The left-hander was slated to begin the campaign in Triple-A Durham at one point, but the expanded rosters in place for the first four weeks of the regular season and Banda's ability to work multiple innings up his chances of being on the team come Opening Day.
Mar 25 2020Banda isn't one of the relievers projected to nab an Opening Day roster spot according to a list compiled by Juan Toribio of MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Toribio breaks down the job battles that were still ongoing when spring training was suspended, and Banda's name is not among the relievers he considers locks for an Opening Day roster spot. As per Toribio, the Rays are likely to leverage the new expanded 26-man roster to carry an additional pitcher, but he projects Peter Fairbanks, Jalen Beeks or Trevor Richards as the likeliest candidates for that opening. Banda did put together a strong spring, however, as he posted a 3.38 ERA across eight innings over six Grapefruit League relief appearances. The 26-year-old southpaw is likely to open the 2020 campaign in what will be his third tour of duty with Triple-A Durham, but after having logged six big-league appearances over the last two seasons, he likely has a strong chance of being one of the first pitchers promoted in the regular season if he carries over his momentum from spring training.
Sep 16 2019Banda, who fired two perfect innings during which he recorded two strikeouts in a loss to the Angels on Sunday, was singled out postgame by manager Kevin Cash for his performance, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cash emphasized he was "really, really encouraged" by the 26-year-old's impressive 27-pitch effort, which included strikeouts of Luis Rengifo and Kole Calhoun. The quality of the outing was particularly noteworthy due to a combination of Banda's potential and the long road he's taken to recover from May 2018 Tommy John surgery. That included a rocky and lengthy rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham where Banda produced an elevated 5.57 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 21 innings. The southpaw has only been utilized twice since being promoted Sept. 2, and Sunday's performance was an upgrade over a debut in which he'd allowed an earned run on three hits over an inning to the Blue Jays exactly one week prior.
Sep 2 2019Banda was recalled by the Rays on Monday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.
Aug 23 2019Banda (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Friday and optioned to Triple-A Durham, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.
Jul 28 2019Banda (elbow) has given up five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out eight across 8.2 innings over his three rehab appearances at Triple-A Durham.
Jul 28 2019Banda (elbow) has given up five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out eight across 8.2 innings over his three rehab appearances at Triple-A Durham.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 11 2019Banda (elbow), who most recently allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks over 1.1 innings while recording three strikeouts in an appearance for the Gulf Coast League Rays on Tuesday, owns a 3.60 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and .318 BAA over five innings across his first four rehab starts.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 28 2019Banda (elbow) allowed an earned run on three hits and a walk over an inning-plus for the GCL Rays in a loss to the GCL Braves on Friday. He also recorded a strikeout.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 23 2019Banda (elbow) fired 1.2 perfect innings in High-A Charlotte's win over Lakeland on Sunday. He did not record any walks or strikeouts.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 23 2019Banda (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte on Sunday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 1 2019Banda (elbow) threw live batting practice against Michael Perez (oblique) in Port Charlotte on Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Banda (elbow) threw 25 pitches in his third live batting practice Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Banda (elbow) threw to hitters Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 14 2018Banda (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery on Thursday, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.The southpaw naturally has an arduous road ahead of him in terms of rehabilitation and recovery, with the likelihood of him missing the entirety of the 2019 season quite high. Banda was the centerpiece of the return the Rays received in exchange for trading Steven Souza (pectoral) to the Diamondbacks, but he apparently won't have a chance to pay true dividends for quite some time.
Jun 4 2018Banda (elbow) will be forced to undergo Tommy John surgery, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.This is a brutal blow for Banda and the Rays, as the southpaw is now the team's third advanced pitching prospect to require Tommy John surgery this year. Banda, who headlined the package of players the Rays received in return for Steven Souza (pectoral), had compiled a solid 3.64 ERA across eight starts (42 innings) with Triple-A Durham prior to suffering the injury. He also posted a 3.68 ERA across 14.2 innings (one start, two relief appearances) with the big club. The 23-year-old lefty will now embark on a long recovery process that will likely keep him sidelined until 2020.
Jun 3 2018Banda was placed on the 7-day disabled list at Triple-A Durham on Sunday due to a left forearm strain, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.The injury will almost certainly keep Banda out beyond the minimum amount of time, but the lefty will head to Tampa to receive an evaluation from the Rays' team doctors before a formal timetable for his return is established. It's unfortunate timing for Banda, who may have been in line for a promotion back to the big club this week with Chris Archer's (groin) status in question for his next scheduled start.
May 15 2018Banda allowed three runs on six hits while striking out one over five innings in Tuesday's win over the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.Banda wasn't particularly deceptive with just four swings and misses, but he was very efficient with no walks and just the one strikeout allowing him to cruise through five innings on just 52 pitches. Through seven starts at Triple-A Durham prior to Tuesday's call-up, the lefty had a 3.50 ERA and 11.0 K/9. It remains to be seen if he'll get another turn through the rotation, but if he does, Banda would be lined up to take on the Angels on Sunday.
May 12 2018Banda was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.As expected, Banda will head back to the minors after serving as the team's 26th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles. The 24-year-old ultimately went unused. He owns a 3.50 ERA and 44:16 K:BB across seven starts (36 innings) with the Bulls.
Mar 7 2018Banda will be squeezed out of a rotation role by the Rays' four-man rotation experiment, the Rays' official site reports.Banda might be the Rays' fifth-best starter right now, and he'd certainly be in contention for their fifth starter job, but that job is unlikely to exist, at least at the start of the season. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed that the team will run a four-man rotation for at least six weeks and hopefully longer. The added off days in the major-league schedule this season will make a fifth starter less necessary, and the Rays intend to go with a bullpen game whenever they have five games in a row. Banda could be the first pitcher on the mound in those games, but he would be removed after two or three innings and thus would be ineligible for a win. This setup hurts Banda's potential fantasy value, though he's possibly just one injury away from being a member of the Rays' four-man rotation and could still see a decent number of innings as a long man in the team's bullpen.
Feb 20 2018Banda was traded to the Rays on Tuesday as part of a three-team deal, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.According to Piecoro, Banda is joining Yankees prospect Nick Solak in Tampa, while the Diamondbacks are getting Steven Souza from the Rays and sending Brandon Drury to New York. Banda, one of the Diamondbacks' top prospects, struggled mightily in 2017, posting a 5.39 ERA across 122 innings (22 starts) with Triple-A Reno while putting together a similarly poor 5.96 ERA across 25.2 innings in his first taste of the majors. Right now he projects as a No. 5 starter or high-leverage reliever, though that could change if his secondary offerings improve. The 24-year-old should have a chance to earn a rotation spot with the Rays if he impresses during camp.
Sep 26 2017Banda threw a pair of scoreless innings in Monday's 9-2 loss to the Giants. He gave up one hit and struck out two batters.After making spot starts in each of his first four appearances with the big club this season, Banda has been relegated to a long-relief role since his Sept. 9 promotion to the Diamondbacks. Though Banda has looked strong in both of his appearances in September, the likelihood that fifth starter Patrick Corbin will move to the bullpen in the postseason to serve as the Diamondbacks' primary long reliever probably takes the rookie out of contention for a spot on the playoff roster.
Sep 9 2017Banda was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Saturday, Jack Magruder of FanRagSports.com reports.Reno was eliminated from the Triple-A playoffs Thursday night, freeing up Banda to return to the Diamondbacks. The lefty made four starts for Arizona earlier in the second half, but he largely struggled and the team has not given any indication that it plans to deploy Banda in the rotation over the remaining weeks.
Aug 15 2017Banda (1-3) allowed eight runs on nine hits and three walks across four innings in a loss to the Astros on Tuesday. He struck out three.Banda was knocked around in the second inning to the tune of five runs on six hits and a wild pitch. He was touched up for another three runs over the next two frames and was removed after working up to 91 pitches. Banda delivered a quality start in his second big league outing, but his larger body of work now shows a 7.32 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP over 19.2 innings this season. He seems set to remain in the rotation for the time being and will look to stop the bleeding Sunday against the Twins.
Aug 11 2017Banda is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Astros, Jack Magruder of FanRagSports.com reports.The lefty lasted just four innings in his most recent outing, but the numbers through three big-league starts are pretty encouraging, especially when considering he's had home matchups against the Dodgers and Nationals. Banda will make at least one more start in place of Robbie Ray (concussion) before possibly shifting to the bullpen over the season's final month.
Aug 10 2017Banda (1-2) allowed three runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts over four innings in Thursday's loss to the Dodgers.Banda found out the difference between a bottom-five offense and a top-five unit firsthand, crashing back down to earth here after pitching six innings of one-run ball against the Giants last time out. The rookie southpaw has shown the ability to put hitters away with 16 strikeouts in 15.2 innings through three starts, but likely hasn't done enough to stay in the rotation with Robbie Ray (concussion) due back from the DL soon.
Aug 8 2017Banda was confirmed as the starting pitcher for Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Jack Magruder of FanRagSports.com reports.With Robbie Ray (concussion) unable to take his next turn in the rotation, Banda will get another spot start in his place. The 23-year-old certainly earned another turn in the rotation after he impressed during his first spot start, striking out seven Giants through six innings of one-run ball and earning the win.
Aug 4 2017Banda (1-1) held the Giants to one run on three hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over six innings in the win Friday against San Francisco.Banda outdueled Madison Bumgarner, who was in top form Friday night. He was wild at times, but by opting to nibble with runners on base, Banda managed to avoid any crooked numbers. Thus far, Banda has shown he'll be a more than adequate fill-in until Robbie Ray (concussion) is ready to return.
Jul 22 2017Banda was officially recalled in advance of his start Saturday against the Nationals.The highly touted Arizona prospect will be thrown into the fire in his major league debut as he'll face one of the best lineups in all of baseball. Even considering the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League that Banda has pitched in this year, his numbers have been underwhelming at best as he notched a 5.08 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP while allowing 11 home runs in 101.0 innings. This could be just a spot start for Banda with Taijuan Walker nearing activation from the paternity list.
Jul 21 2017Banda's major league debut will come Saturday, not Tuesday, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.A previous update suggested Banda's debut wouldn't come until Tuesday, but he'll get his first major league start this weekend against Washington. Banda has struggled in 18 starts for Triple-A Reno this year (5.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP), but the Pacific Coast League is notoriously hitter friendly and the numbers should be taken with a grain of salt as such.
Jun 19 2017Banda, 23, has posted a 4.96 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 76:40 K:BB over 78 innings with Triple-A Reno this season.Banda's 40 walks are the third-most in the Pacific Coast League this season, and that poor control will likely continue to delay his arrival to the big leagues. The lefty is still one of the better pitching prospects in a poor Diamondbacks system, but his stock has nonetheless dropped from where it was to begin the campaign.