Dodgers Claim Catcher, Lose Infielder in Busy Roster Moves

The team also saw a historical nugget about a 1940s integration target and a profile of a Phillies reliever's NLDS error aftermath.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers had a busy Friday, reclaiming catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Reds, designating pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment, and losing newly-signed infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers to the A's. The team also saw a historical story about a 1940s Dodgers target for integration before Jackie Robinson, as well as a profile of Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering and how he's dealt with the aftermath of his error in the Dodgers' NLDS-clinching win.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' roster moves show the team's continued efforts to improve their depth and find valuable contributors. The historical story about Silvio Garcia provides insight into the Dodgers' integration efforts before Jackie Robinson, while the profile of Kerkering's NLDS error aftermath humanizes the impact of high-stakes moments in the playoffs.

The details

The Dodgers reclaimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Reds, designating pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment in a corresponding move. They also lost newly-signed infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers to the A's. Baseball historian Adam Darowski shared a historical nugget about Silvio Garcia, a 1940s Dodgers target for integration before Jackie Robinson. Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering, who made an errant throw on the final play of the Dodgers' NLDS-clinching win, discussed how he's dealt with the aftermath of the error.

  • On Friday, February 7, 2026, the Dodgers made several roster moves.
  • On Wednesday, the historical story about Silvio Garcia was shared.
  • The Dodgers' NLDS-clinching win over the Phillies occurred in the fall of 2025.

The players

Ben Rortvedt

A catcher who the Dodgers reclaimed off waivers from the Reds.

Anthony Banda

A pitcher the Dodgers designated for assignment.

Andy Ibáñez

An infielder the Dodgers lost off waivers to the A's.

Silvio Garcia

A 1940s Dodgers target for integration before Jackie Robinson.

Orion Kerkering

A Phillies reliever who made an errant throw in the Dodgers' NLDS-clinching win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everyone knows it. Everyone knows that it's there. The more you think about it, the more it's going to drain you away.”

— Orion Kerkering, Phillies Reliever (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor the waiver wire and free agent market to improve their roster heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' busy roster moves and the human stories behind key playoff moments highlight the constant churn of professional sports, where teams must always be looking to improve their depth and players must grapple with the highs and lows of high-stakes competition.