Tanner Scott’s struggles are mounting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Monday’s loss to the New York Mets—4-3 in the 10th inning—put a spotlight on it. Scott, who signed a major free-agent deal before the season, allowed two runs in that frame, and his explanation was as simple as it was damning: “I’m just not hitting my locations,” he told ESPN, “and it’s costing us.” It’s a far cry from the expectations when he joined the Dodgers, coming off a stellar 2024 split between the San Diego Padres (2.73 ERA, eight saves) and the Miami Marlins (1.18 ERA). This year, though, Scott’s been anything but reliable. In his last seven appearances, he’s been charged with 10 earned runs, taken two losses, and blown two save opportunities. His four-seam fastball, once a weapon, is getting hit hard. “It’s getting hit a lot,” Scott said. “It sucks right now. Last year I relied on it a lot, and this year it’s getting hit and I’m missing locations.” The Dodgers, now 36-24, are feeling the pinch, having lost two straight.
Scott’s season has been a rollercoaster. His ERA, currently at 4.73, is a stark contrast to last year’s dominance, and he’s allowed six runs in his last three outings alone. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been indirect but clear about needing more from Scott. “You have to give credit to Jack (Dreyer) and Ben (Casparius), but it’s the other guys’ responsibilities as well who’ve been through the trials and have a lot more experience than those two players,” Roberts said about the bullpen. “I just don’t think it’s right to put everything on those two young players. I don’t.” It’s a subtle jab, but the message is loud: Scott, with his experience, needs to step up.
The Dodgers and Mets square off again on Tuesday, and for Scott, it’s a chance to right the ship. The team’s invested heavily in him, hoping he’d be the closer they needed, but right now, he’s a liability. The pressure’s on, and with the Dodgers’ bullpen already stretched thin, Scott’s performance is critical. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and Scott’s next outing could be a turning point. The Dodgers need him, and he knows it. The question is, can he deliver?
