Tanner Scott’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers did not go according to plan, but the team is counting on him to bounce back in 2026.
Scott made some changes to his approach and already looks like a different pitcher through the first four games of the regular season. In three appearances, he has allowed just one hit over 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and no walks.
“I think he’s using different parts of the plate,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Scott’s early success. “I think the slider is just a better pitch this year than it ever was last year.
“I think the slider is just better. The slider is better, and then the fastball, he’s using it in different locations. So really good.”
Scott struggled to put away hitters after getting ahead of the count last year, which can be attributed in part to leaving his fastball over the middle of the plate. The left-hander has improved in that area so far, which Roberts was quick to point out.
Scott dealt with several injuries and looked defeated at times with each disappointing outing last year. However, Roberts has noticed a much more confident Scott in his second season with the Dodgers.
“Yeah, and I think even Tanner, who’s as good as anyone at washing the slate clean, but you still got to have success,” Roberts said. “And when you are not having success, it’s like a here we go again kind of mindset.
“So for him to get off to a good start, it’s important.”
Dodgers want Tanner Scott to be more unpredictable
The Dodgers have emphasized the need for Scott to be more unpredictable this season, which is something the 31-year-old continues to work on.
“Yeah, I mean, just not being as predictable,” Scott said earlier this year. “Using my put-away pitches when I need them, and not going two strikes and letting up a hit. That was terrible.”
Scott is also focused on playing to his strengths, which made him so successful during a two-year stretch with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres.
“I tried doing something that I didn’t normally do, and I didn’t play to my strengths,” Scott explained. “The past two years, and the past two years before that were really good, and I kind of got away from that.”
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