Banda did a nice job out of the Dodgers’ bullpen when healthy during the 2024 season, posting a 3.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and a 50/18 K/BB ratio across 49 2/3 innings in his 48 appearances. Barring anything crazy and unexpected, he should once again open the season in a middle relief role in a deep and talented Dodgers’ bullpen.

Banda went on the injured list in early September after he suffered a hairline fracture in his pitching hand from hitting a solid object in frustration. His return is a welcome sight for the Dodgers, who need every remaining healthy arm they have as they head into the playoffs.

It’s the second bullpen session for Banda since he made the decision to try and fight an inanimate object and broke his hand. The plan now is for the 31-year-old to face hitters in the coming days, and the Dodgers plan to have the left-hander active before the end of the regular season. Banda is one of their better relievers, so getting him back for the postseason would be significant.

Spend 12 years trying to establish yourself as a big-league pitcher, finally do so at age 31 and then maybe blow your chance of pitching in the postseason for the first time because you can’t control your temper. Since this is just a hairline fracture, Banda might be able to make it back. The Dodgers certainly hope so; he had turned into the No. 1 lefty in their pen before being placed on the IL Tuesday.