The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has hardly been at full strength this season due to multiple injuries, but they are poised to welcome back Edwin Díaz on Wednesday.
Díaz appeared in just seven games before undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies in right elbow. The Dodgers bullpen largely has withstood his absence, which included Tanner Scott taking over the closer role.
Now that Díaz is set to be activated off the 60-day injured list, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Scott is going to be shifted into a different role, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group.
When Diaz returns, it will be in the closer role, Roberts said. Tanner Scott recorded his 16th save Friday night and will move into “another leverage spot.”
“Honestly right now, we have more high-leverage guys than we’ve had all year,” Roberts said.
When the Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract before the 2025 season, general manager Brandon Gomes said he would receive the bulk of save opportunities but stopped short of formally naming the left-hander the team’s closer.
There was no such hedging with Díaz, however, as Gomes confirmed he would hold that role with the Dodgers.
“Obviously adding an elite closer like Edwin is going to make any bullpen,” Gomes said during Díaz’s introductory press conference last December. “Now it allows Doc and our coaching staff to put guys into spots leading up to that, knowing that it doesn’t really matter who’s in the ninth, that we’re going to like the matchup.
“And also he’s done this on the biggest stage, in the playoffs, having that confidence as well is something we’re really pumped about.”
Díaz went 1-0 with a 10.50 ERA, 2.33 WHIP, four saves and one blown save prior to landing on the injured list and having surgery.
Tanner Scott as Dodgers closer
Once it became apparent the Dodgers were going to be without Díaz for an estimated three weeks, Roberts named Scott the temporary closer. The 32-year-old downplayed the change in role and prioritized pitching whenever the Dodgers needed.
During the time Díaz has been out, Scott went 1-3 with 16 saves, two blown saves, a 2.65 ERA, 2.11 FIP and 0.85 WHIP while holding opponents to a .192/.236/.317 batting line. Last Tuesday he converted a five-out save against the Philadelphia Phillies to help the Dodgers snap a two-game losing streak.
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