Although the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to have an embarrassment of riches after signing Tanner Scott to a $72 million contract, his first season with the team has been a struggle.
Scott went into the year expected to be the Dodgers’ primary closer. He had put together impressive seasons and emerged as one of the best closers in baseball.
But whether due to mechanics, health, possibly tipping pitches and just the normal fluctuation that can occur from year to year, Scott has yet to find his footing with the Dodgers. Among his latest stumbles was surrendering a walk-off grand slam last weekend.
Scott has since bounced back with consecutive scoreless appearances, retiring all six batters faced.
“The last two have been good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think the stuff has been better, the slider has been better. Hopefully we found something.”
Following the first of what wound up being back-to-back nights of giving up a walk-off hit, Scott remarked, “Baseball hates me right now.” After the left-hander surrendered the walk-off grand slam in an extra-innings loss to the San Francisco Giants, Scott called this season the “worst year of my life.”
He’s blown a career-worst nine saves and the 11 home runs allowed are also a high mark. Scott gave up a combined 11 homers from the 2022-2024 seasons. His previous career high for one season was six, which Scott did twice as a member of the Orioles, in 2018 and 2021.
Dave Roberts: Dodgers need Tanner Scott
One constant during Scott’s up and down season has been support from Roberts. That continues to hold true as Roberts looks for stability within the Dodgers’ bullpen.
“He’s one of our guys. I really believe without a doubt, for us to win the World Series, we’re going to need him,” Roberts said of Scott. “For me, I don’t see any other side. So the most important thing is for him to get confidence that baseball doesn’t hate him and he’s the best option when he’s out there.”
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