Tanner Scott Shines in Closer Role as Dodgers Hold Off Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Tanner Scott recorded his fourth save of the season on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants. The 31-year-old reliever needed just nine pitches—seven strikes—to retire the side in order, preserving a 3-0 lead at Dodger Stadium.
Scott's latest dominant outing continues a remarkable stretch since he retook the closer role earlier this month. Over his last 10 appearances, Scott has converted all four save opportunities, surrendering only two runs while posting a stellar 10:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 9.2 innings. The performance marks a sharp turnaround from his struggles in 2025, when he lost the closer job after a series of shaky outings.
A Second Chance Born From Injury
Scott's resurgence comes directly from misfortune elsewhere on the roster. The Dodgers signed star closer Edwin Diaz to a lucrative free-agent contract over the winter, expecting him to anchor the bullpen. But Diaz landed on the 60-day injured list with an elbow issue that required surgery, forcing Los Angeles to revisit its late-inning plans.
Manager Dave Roberts initially experimented with a committee approach before settling on Scott, who had been pitching effectively in a setup role. The lefty has seized the opportunity, delivering the kind of shutdown innings the Dodgers envisioned when they acquired him from the San Diego Padres in July 2024.
Why Scott's Emergence Matters for Los Angeles
The Dodgers entered 2026 with World Series aspirations, but their bullpen depth has been tested early. Beyond Diaz's absence, the club has dealt with inconsistency from middle relievers and a heavy early-season workload. Scott's reliability at the back end stabilizes a unit that could otherwise become a liability.
Fantasy and Betting Implications
For fantasy baseball managers, Scott's recent performance has made him a must-roster asset. His four saves in May, combined with elite ratios and strikeout rates, push him into the top tier of relievers. With Diaz unlikely to return before September, Scott should hold the ninth inning for the foreseeable future.
Sportsbooks have also adjusted: the Dodgers' win total and division odds remain strong, bolstered by a bullpen that now features a trusted closer. Bettors tracking save opportunities should monitor Scott's usage in high-leverage spots.
Broader Trends: Reliever Trades and Prospect Fallout
Scott's journey to Los Angeles underscores a larger trend in MLB: teams paying premium prices for bullpen help at the trade deadline. The Padres acquired Robby Snelling from San Diego in the same July 2024 deal that sent Scott to the Dodgers. Snelling, Miami's No. 2 pitching prospect, made his major league debut on May 8 but was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a sprained UCL in his left elbow.
The injury clouded a promising start for the 22-year-old, who threw five solid innings against Washington before reporting elbow discomfort after a bullpen session. For the Marlins, Snelling's setback is a significant blow to a rebuilding club counting on young arms. For the Dodgers, the trade continues to pay dividends as Scott delivers in high-leverage moments.
The Changing Role of Closers
Scott's story also reflects baseball's evolving view of the closer position. Once reserved for hard-throwing flamethrowers with unshakeable confidence, the role now prizes adaptability. Scott, a left-hander with a devastating slider, has neutralized both right-handed and left-handed hitters during his hot streak. His 10:2 K:BB ratio suggests command improvements that could sustain his success.
If Scott maintains this level, the Dodgers may face a pleasant dilemma when Diaz returns: stick with the hot hand or reinstate the expensive veteran. For now, Los Angeles is content to ride its rediscovered closer.
What This Changes for the Dodgers' Season
Scott's emergence reshapes expectations in the NL West. The Dodgers entered May with a slim division lead, but a reliable bullpen could help separate them from challengers like the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. With Scott locking down saves, Roberts can shorten games and protect leads more aggressively.
Fantasy owners and bettors alike should note: Scott has transformed from a question mark into a linchpin. If his command holds, the Dodgers may have found their closer for October—even if the name on the back of the jersey wasn't the one they paid for last winter.
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