Dodgers envision a minor tweak may help rejuvenate struggling reliever Tanner Scott.
In a disheartening turn of events for the Los Angeles Dodgers, their newly acquired closer, Tanner Scott, has experienced three consecutive ninth-inning missteps last Friday night in New York, culminating in a blown three-run lead and a 13-inning marathon victory.
The misfortune unfolded as Scott surrendered a leadoff single on a 1-and-2 fastball up in the zone to Starling Marte. After a one-out walk to Pete Alonso, Scott found himself facing Jeff McNeil with a 2-and-2 count, only to serve up a two-run triple on a belt-high heater. The tying single was Scott's fourth blown save in 14 opportunities this year, inflating his ERA to an unsatisfactory 3.42.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the difficulties, stating, "It's just right now, it just seems like when there is a mistake, they find some outfield grass or put a good swing on it." Pitching coach Mark Prior echoed these sentiments, identifying Scott as "living in the middle, the midline of the zone."
These miscues are more prevalent than usual for Scott, who has seen 58% of his pitches this season land in the strike zone - a personal career-high mark. Hitting an almost 92 mph exit velocity on balls in play against Scott's pitches, batters have been capitalizing on his offerings. Scott still boasts 25 strikeouts and only two walks, but his dropping whiff rate to 26.6% from his career average of 34.7% suggests room for improvement.
The Dodgers invested $72 million in Scott this offseason, anticipating his performance to bolster their bullpen. However, as the bullpen grapples with injuries and overuse, Scott's performances in save opportunities have become crucial but challenging for the team. With fellow high-leverage relievers Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech sidelined, the Dodgers are unable to afford the excess exertion of their already strained pen.
As the Dodgers continue their 2025 season, the fine-tuning and improvement of Scott's performance will play a vital role in their pursuit of success. Adjustments such as refining pitch sequencing, locating pitches effectively, and maintaining a consistent mental approach will be key to making Scott a reliable and efficient closer for the team.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing challenges in their bullpen, with newly acquired closer Tanner Scott enduring three consecutive ninth-inning mishaps that led to a loss in baseball's Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Scott's struggles were evident during a game in New York, where he surrendered a leadoff single and a two-run triple, ultimately resulting in a blown save.
- The Dodgers, who invested $72 million in Scott this offseason, are now relying on him to bolster their bullpen, which has been effected by injuries and overuse.
- For the Dodgers to succeed in the 2025 season, it's crucial for Scott to improve his performance by refining his pitch sequencing, effectively locating his pitches, and maintaining a consistent mental approach.
