The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up a much-needed 5–2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, snapping a cold stretch that had seen them drop eight of their last ten games. But the victory came at a cost—potentially a significant one.
In the ninth inning, with two runners on and one out, left-handed reliever Tanner Scott grimaced in pain after delivering a slider in the dirt to Ryan Jeffers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a team trainer quickly visited the mound. Scott flexed his throwing arm and exited the game on a 3–2 count, visibly shaken. He was replaced by Kirby Yates, who walked Jeffers before narrowly escaping a bases-loaded jam thanks to a dramatic home-run robbery by center fielder James Outman.
Dodgers, Tanner Scott Getting MRI After Early Exit Vs. Twins
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Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal with Los Angeles in the offseason, has served as the club’s primary closer. While he’s shown flashes of dominance, his season has been uneven—highlighted by a 4.14 ERA, 19 saves, and a noticeable dip in fastball velocity. His struggles have included a concerning 17.8% home run/fly ball rate, reminiscent of pre-2023 inconsistencies.
Following the game, Roberts provided limited but concerning insight: “Emotionally, [Scott’s] not well,” he said. “He just felt something in his forearm, as far as like a sting sensation. We’re gonna get an MRI tomorrow and we’ll know after that.” Roberts added that initial tests were encouraging, but acknowledged the uncertainty. “Any time a pitcher has to come out of a game, it’s concerning.”
With Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips all on the injured list—and Phillips out for the season—the Dodgers’ bullpen is stretched thin. Scott’s potential absence only intensifies the urgency ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
“We were already in the market for relief help,” Roberts said. “This might shift how we approach it.”
The team will learn more once Scott undergoes imaging on Tuesday, but as of now, the Dodgers’ bullpen, already fragile, is once again at a breaking point.