Los Angeles Dodgers Make Strategic Pitching Shift by Recalling Edgardo Henriquez and Designating Lou Trivino for Assignment Amid Struggles
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a strategic roster move that could have ripple effects through the remainder of the 2025 MLB season by recalling right-handed pitching prospect Edgardo Henriquez from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designating veteran right-hander Lou Trivino for assignment. The decision, while not entirely surprising to those closely monitoring the team’s bullpen performance, represents a turning point for both pitchers. For Henriquez, it marks the beginning of what could be a promising Major League career. For Trivino, it may signal the end of a once-dependable reliever’s time in Dodger blue—and possibly his tenure in the big leagues.
Henriquez’s call-up was met with optimism within the Dodgers’ clubhouse and by fans eager to see the organization’s next wave of talent take shape. A hard-throwing righty who regularly touches the upper-90s with his fastball, Henriquez has been quietly climbing the Dodgers’ system since being drafted in 2019. After overcoming Tommy John surgery in 2022, he returned with renewed strength, command, and confidence—culminating in an impressive stretch in Triple-A that forced the Dodgers’ hand when evaluating the depth and effectiveness of their bullpen.
Henriquez posted a 2.61 ERA with 38 strikeouts over 31 innings in Oklahoma City, demonstrating an ability to neutralize both right- and left-handed hitters. More importantly, he limited walks—one of his previous struggles—while maintaining his elite velocity and spin rate. Scouts and analysts have praised his composure, poise, and professional demeanor on the mound, drawing comparisons to a young Pedro Báez with a more refined pitch mix. His slider, in particular, has shown devastating late break, making it a go-to pitch in high-leverage situations.
For the Dodgers, the decision to promote Henriquez is not merely about injecting youth into the roster; it’s about solving immediate issues that have plagued their bullpen in recent weeks. Injuries to key relievers like Brusdar Graterol and Ryan Brasier have left manager Dave Roberts short on dependable late-inning options. Trivino, who had been expected to shoulder a significant burden this season after signing a one-year deal in the offseason, simply failed to meet expectations.
Lou Trivino, formerly a reliable setup man with the Oakland Athletics and briefly with the Yankees, never quite found his rhythm in Los Angeles. After recovering from his own Tommy John surgery, Trivino’s return to the mound in 2025 has been inconsistent at best and disastrous at worst. He struggled to locate his fastball and often left pitches over the heart of the plate. His ERA ballooned to 6.48 through 17 appearances, with a WHIP of 1.65 and opponents hitting .312 against him. These numbers are not sustainable, especially on a Dodgers team with championship aspirations.
The Dodgers gave Trivino ample opportunity to regain his form, perhaps in the hope that his veteran presence and postseason experience would eventually shine through. However, with the trade deadline fast approaching and the National League playoff race tightening, the margin for error is minimal. Every roster spot must be occupied by a player contributing at a high level, and unfortunately, Trivino was no longer providing the stability or results required. Designating him for assignment gives the Dodgers flexibility to make further roster maneuvers and allows Trivino the chance to find a fresh start elsewhere—if another team sees value in a reclamation project.
From a strategic standpoint, this move is classic Dodgers—leaning into their developmental strength while maintaining a ruthless efficiency in roster construction. The organization is known for producing MLB-ready talent from within and trusting those prospects when the time comes. Henriquez is simply the next example in a long line of homegrown pitchers who have earned their shot. The hope is that he can solidify a bullpen role, learn quickly, and maybe even become a secret weapon in October.
Henriquez’s ascension also speaks volumes about the Dodgers’ pitching philosophy. Under the guidance of pitching coach Mark Prior, the team emphasizes pitch sequencing, spin efficiency, and adaptability—traits that Henriquez has shown glimpses of mastering. His ability to mix a high-velocity fastball with a sweeping slider and an emerging changeup gives him a repertoire that can succeed in the Majors. While he’ll likely be eased into lower-leverage innings initially, don’t be surprised if he’s pitching in critical moments down the stretch.
In terms of clubhouse chemistry and overall morale, the move could serve as a wake-up call. The Dodgers have played well in 2025 but are far from perfect. Their bullpen has blown several leads, and the late-inning trust factor has been eroding. By making a bold decision like this—swapping a seasoned vet for a rookie—the front office is signaling that complacency won’t be tolerated. Perform, or step aside. It’s a message that resonates throughout the locker room, even among established stars.
Henriquez, for his part, appears ready for the challenge. Known for his work ethic and quiet confidence, he has embraced each level of professional baseball with maturity. In interviews, he’s credited his success to staying grounded, following his routine, and absorbing as much knowledge as possible from coaches and teammates. Upon getting the call to join the Dodgers, he reportedly told his Triple-A teammates, “It’s time to do my job.” That no-nonsense approach could serve him—and the Dodgers—very well.
Of course, transitioning to the Major Leagues isn’t easy, and expectations in Los Angeles are notoriously high. Fans want dominance, and media scrutiny is intense. But the Dodgers have a support system in place to help young players thrive. Veterans like Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw (currently rehabbing but still mentoring in the clubhouse) often take young pitchers under their wing. Henriquez will have every resource available to succeed, and if he does, this move could be remembered as a pivotal moment in the Dodgers’ 2025 journey.
Meanwhile, Lou Trivino’s future remains uncertain. He may clear waivers and accept a minor league assignment, or he could become a free agent in search of a new opportunity. At 33 years old, he’s not necessarily finished, but the road back will be steep. His velocity hasn’t returned to pre-injury levels, and unless he finds a way to reinvent himself—perhaps with a new grip or altered mechanics—his days in high-leverage roles may be behind him. Still, baseball is full of redemption stories, and Trivino could yet script one if given the chance.
As the Dodgers move forward, this roster move serves as both a short-term fix and a long-term investment. Henriquez brings energy, upside, and a new dimension to a bullpen in need of stability. If he delivers, he could not only stabilize the bullpen but potentially lock down a postseason role. That’s how quickly things can change in a league where opportunities are fleeting and competition is relentless.
The coming weeks will determine whether the Henriquez experiment is a success. His first few outings will be closely watched by fans and front office staff alike. Can he handle the pressure? Will he earn Roberts’ trust? Can he turn this chance into something permanent?
One thing is clear: the Dodgers are betting on youth, velocity, and upside—and betting against stagnation, regression, and sentimentality. In doing so, they’ve reinforced the organizational culture that has made them perennial contenders. Edgardo Henriquez is no longer just a name in the prospect pipeline. He’s a Los Angeles Dodger, and his time is now.
