In a recent turn of events for the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts has chosen not to commit to a designated closer, a decision prompted by the struggles of Tanner Scott. The landscape of the Dodgers’ bullpen has become quite precarious, and Roberts has expressed the need to assess matchups rather than rely on a singular reliever.
Tanner Scott, who signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million deal with the Dodgers in January, is currently facing challenges on the mound. With a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 4.55, his performance has not met expectations. His sole victory this season came in a tightly contested game against the New York Mets, where he pitched during the 10th inning to secure a 6-5 win.
However, the road to that win was paved with struggles, including an alarming seven-game stretch where Scott allowed 12 runs (10 earned) over six innings. This alarming trend saw him blow three saves out of four opportunities, raising questions about his role as the team’s designated closer.
“I think right now, it’s kind of how the game plays out,” Roberts noted, discussing the current fluidity of the closer position. He emphasized the importance of analyzing who is performing well and can best handle pressure situations. Currently, there is no set closer, as Roberts has opted to mix and match based on recent performance and matchups.
Scott’s tumultuous season comes as a surprise, particularly following his standout performance in 2024 where he saved 22 games. After transitioning from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres midseason, he finished the year with a strong 1.75 ERA and earned a spot on the National League All-Star team. Such past accolades only heighten the disappointment felt among fans and the organization as he navigates this difficult stretch.
The Dodgers’ bullpen woes are compounded by the absence of several key relievers due to injuries. Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, and recently Kirby Yates have all dealt with their share of setbacks this season, further straining the team’s options for closing games. Recently, the team received disappointing news regarding right-hander Evan Phillips, who will require season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Roberts acknowledged that Scott’s issues appear to stem from missed locations rather than a decline in talent, claiming, “The stuff’s good.” However, the command of his pitches has not been up to par, a critical component for any pitcher in high-pressure situations.
This season, Scott has surrendered 27 hits in just 27.2 innings, a marked increase compared to last year, where he allowed 45 hits over 72 innings. This alarming rate of hits exemplifies the drift in his performance, prompting conversations about whether he can reclaim his status as the Dodgers’ closer.
While Scott works on rectifying these issues, Roberts faces a shortage of experienced alternatives to fill the closer role. Only a handful of Dodgers pitchers have logged at least 20 appearances this season, and aside from Scott, the bullpen comprises mainly unproven talent. These lesser-known pitchers include left-handers Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda, and Alex Vesia, as well as right-handers Luis Garcia and Ben Casparius.
Amid the uncertainty, the Dodgers have made moves to bolster their bullpen by acquiring former Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz, former Seattle Mariners reliever Will Klein, and veteran swingman Jose Ureña—all aimed at providing additional depth. This increase in options may offer Roberts more avenues to explore while he seeks a consistent and reliable pitcher for save situations.
Despite the struggles, there’s hope within the Dodgers organization that Scott can return to form. Meanwhile, Roberts has made it clear that he will continue evaluating pitchers in pressure situations to determine who can best manage the closing role going forward.
The Dodgers find themselves at a crossroads with their bullpen, and fans will be keenly watching as the team navigates this challenging phase. As they strive for another postseason run, finding a reliable arm to handle the closer’s responsibilities remains a significant priority. With Scott working to find his rhythm and new acquisitions potentially stepping up, the Dodgers’ approach to the closer role will be fluid as they adapt within a constantly evolving season.
For those keeping an eye on the latest happenings within the Dodgers organization, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on the bullpen in the coming days. The need for consistent performances and depth has never been more critical as the team charts its course toward the postseason. As Roberts continues to experiment with his options, one can only hope that the unpredictable nature of the baseball season leads the Dodgers to find their footing in the elusive closer role.
Source link
