As the trade deadline nears, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves staring down an uncomfortable reality: the bullpen, once viewed as a strength, is now in a state of disrepair. Two injuries in as many days—one to high-priced closer Tanner Scott and another to emerging reliever Ben Casparius—have left the team’s relief corps reeling, and the front office with no choice but to consider aggressive action.
Tanner Scott Hits the IL: “Hopefully Just a Scare”
The most concerning blow came Monday night, when closer Tanner Scott exited his outing in the ninth inning after throwing his 22nd pitch. He was immediately pulled from the game with what manager Dave Roberts later described as a “sting” in his forearm.
The following day, the Dodgers confirmed that Scott was being placed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. The club replaced him on the active roster with former All-Star closer Alexis Díaz.
Though the initial optics were ominous, there’s hope this is more precautionary than catastrophic. “The manual tests were good,” Roberts told reporters. “So hopefully it’s something that’s more of a scare and then we can kind of put him on ice for a little bit and get him back.” He later added, “We’re putting him on the IL just given the way he feels, but we’re in a better spot than we were last night.”
Scott himself echoed that optimism. He told reporters that his MRI revealed inflammation but no structural damage. He’ll be shut down for a few days before starting a throwing program and remains confident he’ll return to the mound this season.
Still, Scott’s absence comes at a particularly volatile moment. Signed this past offseason to a four-year, $72 million deal, the left-hander has struggled to recapture the dominance that made him an All-Star in 2024. While his strikeout (27.2%) and walk rates (6%) remain strong, a troubling spike in hard contact has led to a 4.14 ERA and a league-leading seven blown saves through 45.2 innings.
Casparius Goes Down Hours Later: Bullpen Depth Fraying
Just hours after Scott was shelved, the Dodgers lost another reliever to injury. Right-hander Ben Casparius left Tuesday night’s game against the Twins after visibly grabbing at his right leg. The 26-year-old had just walked in a run—his third walk of the inning—before motioning to the dugout for assistance. He was replaced by Díaz, who made his team debut.
The Dodgers later announced that Casparius suffered a right calf cramp, a diagnosis that suggests a shorter recovery timeline. But the visual of another reliever limping off the mound underscored the team’s dire situation.
Casparius had emerged as a multi-role weapon this season, compiling 64 innings across 30 appearances with a 5.06 ERA. He had been earning higher-leverage opportunities in recent weeks, especially as the team tries to manage Shohei Ohtani’s unique usage and absorb losses to more experienced arms.
According to Dodgers Nation’s Gabe Smallson, Casparius’s injury “is not only a strategic setback for the Dodgers, but also a clear indication of just how fragile the bullpen has become amid ongoing attrition.”
Relief Corps in Disarray: The Numbers Paint a Bleak Picture
The Dodgers’ bullpen woes aren’t isolated incidents. The unit ranks 24th in MLB with a 4.35 ERA, and the list of unavailable relievers is growing fast. Evan Phillips is out for the year. Blake Treinen hasn’t pitched since mid-April due to a forearm issue, though he is expected to return soon. Michael Kopech is recovering from meniscus surgery and won’t be back until late August.
Despite the bullpen struggles, Los Angeles still holds a lead in the competitive NL West. But it’s clear that this roster—thin on healthy high-leverage arms—can’t sustain itself without outside help. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported that the Dodgers are monitoring nearly every top reliever on the trade market, and Tuesday night’s developments may accelerate their plans.
Alexis Díaz Debuts, Yates Likely to Close (For Now)
In the wake of Scott’s injury, Alexis Díaz made his first appearance as a Dodger. The former Reds closer, who was acquired earlier this season, had struggled at Triple-A Oklahoma City (6.75 ERA over 6.2 innings), but the club is hoping a change of scenery reignites the former All-Star.
Veteran Kirby Yates is expected to take over as interim closer, but the situation is fluid. The Dodgers may not be able to wait long if injuries continue to stack up.
Trade Deadline Pressure Mounts
With Scott shelved, Casparius hobbled, and several other relievers in flux, the Dodgers’ front office is now under intense pressure to stabilize the bullpen before July 30. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has never shied away from aggressive moves, and this deadline could be one of his most consequential.
The stakes are clear: a World Series contender with a wounded relief corps cannot afford to enter October undermanned. The next week may well determine whether this Dodgers team can make another deep run—or if their hopes unravel before they begin.