DENVER – The Los Angeles Dodgers are charging towards October with a clear hierarchy in their bullpen, as veteran left-hander Tanner Scott has firmly established himself as the club’s closer for the stretch run, a significant development reported by sportsamo.com. With the team eyeing an unprecedented third consecutive World Series title, Scott’s consistent, high-leverage performances have provided a crucial anchor in the late innings, distinguishing him as the undisputed ninth-inning man.
Manager Dave Roberts minced no words regarding Scott’s current standing. "His stuff, right now, today, is as good as it’s been all year," Roberts stated emphatically on Wednesday, before the series finale against the Colorado Rockies at notoriously hitter-friendly Coors Field. "Right now, it’s easy to say that he’s our best reliever and most consistent reliever. I certainly see him as our closer." This declaration from Roberts, known for his nuanced approach to bullpen roles, speaks volumes about Scott’s undeniable form and the trust he has earned from the coaching staff.
Scott immediately validated Roberts’ confidence in Wednesday’s thrilling 6-4, 10-inning victory. Tasked with protecting a two-run lead in extra innings, Scott delivered a masterclass of efficiency and composure. He navigated a perfect 10th inning, requiring a mere eight pitches, seven of which were strikes, to shut down the Rockies and notch his 18th save of the season. This exceptional outing came despite having thrown 27 pitches just the day before, showcasing not only his effectiveness but also his remarkable resilience and physical readiness.
"He’s been huge," Roberts reiterated after the win, highlighting Scott’s willingness to embrace the moment. "I talked to him earlier today and he said he was good. I wanted to stay away from [using] him, but that’s not how the game played out. But he did a fantastic job, and these games are important. But he’s a winner and he’ll do whatever it takes to win a ballgame." This sentiment underscores Scott’s unselfishness and competitive drive, traits invaluable for a closer on a championship-caliber team.
Scott’s recent dominance is particularly noteworthy given the circumstances surrounding the Dodgers’ bullpen. While Scott solidified his grip on the closer role, the team received an update on the status of the talented, yet recently struggling, Edwin Díaz. Díaz, a high-profile acquisition expected to play a pivotal role, could potentially return in September, though his specific role upon activation remains to be determined. On Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, Díaz underwent diagnostic tests for discomfort on the right side of his neck. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural issues, offering a glimmer of hope for his eventual return.
"It went well, and there were no findings," Roberts confirmed regarding Díaz’s MRI. "So that was good. The MRI was clean. That doesn’t change the fact that he has this sensation in his neck. They will keep working on it and give it some rest, as far as throwing a baseball. It was a best-case scenario." While the news of no structural damage is a relief, the lingering "sensation" and the need for rest from throwing suggest that Díaz’s path back to high-leverage situations will be a cautious one, further solidifying Scott’s standing for the foreseeable future.
Scott’s reliability has been a stark contrast to the bullpen’s earlier season uncertainties. Prior to Wednesday’s flawless outing, Scott had also recorded a four-out save in the Dodgers’ narrow 7-6 win on Tuesday. Though that performance wasn’t "clean" – he allowed a one-out double to Jake McCarthy and a two-out single to Willi Castro, making it a one-run game in the ninth – Scott showcased his mental toughness by avoiding a meltdown and closing out the victory. This ability to navigate traffic and emerge unscathed is a hallmark of an elite closer, proving his mettle even when not at his most dominant.
Presently, Scott boasts an impressive 2.28 ERA and a sparkling 0.92 WHIP, statistics that place him among the league’s top closers. His performance in August has been particularly stellar, allowing just one run across eight appearances covering 6 2/3 innings. This consistent excellence, even in challenging environments like Coors Field, where the altitude often inflates offensive numbers, speaks volumes about his command and mental fortitude. "I try not to think about anything like that," Scott said of the Coors Field effect. "I just treat it like a normal situation." This simple yet profound approach is a testament to his focused mindset, enabling him to block out external pressures and execute his craft.
Roberts’ admiration for Scott extends beyond his recent performance, touching upon his unwavering character. "Man, Tanner doesn’t complain," the skipper praised. "He’s always ready, wants to pitch, wants to help his teammates, his team, and certainly, given how last year went, for him to come back and right the ship." This "righting the ship" narrative is central to Scott’s compelling story.
Scott’s journey to becoming the Dodgers’ trusted closer has been anything but linear. After a terrific 2024 season split between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres during his contract year, where he notched 22 saves with a stellar 1.75 ERA, he was rewarded handsomely. The Dodgers, recognizing his potential to anchor their bullpen, signed him to a lucrative four-year, $72 million deal. He was widely expected to be their primary closer in 2025.
However, the 2025 season saw Scott’s performance "go off the rails," as Roberts alluded. He finished with a disappointing 4.74 ERA and an alarming 10 blown saves, a stark contrast to his previous form. His strikeout rate plummeted to a career-low 25.2%, and his home run rate surged to a career-high 4.6%, indicating a loss of command and effectiveness. The high-leverage situations that he once thrived in became a source of frustration for both Scott and the Dodgers faithful. The weight of expectations on a big contract seemed to manifest in his on-field struggles, leading to questions about his long-term viability as a closer.
But the 2026 season has been a testament to Scott’s resilience and dedication. He has evidently made significant adjustments, both mechanically and mentally, to reclaim his elite status. Roberts elaborated on the physical tools that make Scott so effective when he’s at his best. "When he’s right, his [fastball] is 96-98 [mph], and there is a really good slider in there," Roberts explained. This potent combination of high velocity and a sharp breaking ball is the foundation of his success, allowing him to overpower hitters and generate swings and misses in crucial moments.
Beyond the physical arsenal, Roberts highlighted Scott’s most impactful trait: his mental fortitude. "I think Tanner’s superpower is that he doesn’t really let things affect his emotions," Roberts asserted. "You could argue that he could have been the closer; should have been the closer. Nothing affects him once he steps on the field." This unflappable demeanor is perhaps the single most critical attribute for a closer, especially one playing for a team with championship aspirations. The ability to compartmentalize pressure, shake off a bad outing, and approach each new situation with a clear head is what separates the good closers from the great ones. Scott has demonstrably honed this "superpower" in 2026, transforming past struggles into a springboard for current dominance.
For the Dodgers, Scott’s emergence provides a critical piece of the championship puzzle. A reliable closer is indispensable for any team with World Series ambitions, allowing the rest of the bullpen to settle into defined roles and providing clarity for the managerial staff in late-game situations. With Scott confidently anchoring the ninth inning, the Dodgers can now allocate their formidable relief talent more effectively, optimizing matchups and minimizing the strain on individual arms.
While Edwin Díaz’s potential return in September offers another intriguing layer of depth, his role is far from guaranteed to be high-leverage, especially after an injury layoff and prior struggles. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Tanner Scott, the veteran left-hander who has battled through adversity to become the Dodgers’ indispensable closer. His journey from a high-priced disappointment in 2025 to a dominant force in 2026 embodies the spirit of perseverance required for championship baseball. As the Dodgers push for history, Scott’s steady hand and unshakeable resolve in the ninth inning will be paramount to their quest for a third consecutive World Series title.
