Tanner Scott: The Dodgers’ Closer Situation Explained
Dodgers Face Closer Conundrum as Edwin Díaz Prepares for Surgery
SAN FRANCISCO — Following the announcement that closer Edwin Díaz will undergo elbow surgery on Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been left to reassess his bullpen strategy. Díaz, who signed with the team for $69 million, is not expected to return until after the All-Star break.
When asked about his preferred choice for a replacement, Roberts identified Tanner Scott as a potential candidate. Scott, signed for $72 million prior to last season, has seen his role diminish, failing to pitch in the postseason last year after losing the closer position.
In his first ten appearances this season, Scott has shown promise, allowing just one run over 8⅔ innings, with no walks and eight strikeouts. Yet, Roberts expressed uncertainty about the closer role.
“I honestly don’t know,” he admitted. “Tanner could pitch in the seventh tonight, and Blake (Treinen) could get the save. It’s kind of day to day.”
Another name in the mix is Alex Vesia, who has also made a solid contribution, posting no earned runs in 8⅔ innings, along with three walks and ten strikeouts. Of the Dodgers’ six saves this season, Díaz has tallied four, while Vesia has two.
Roberts voiced his hesitation about a definitive closer, stating, “For me, I think the closer should stand out among other guys as far as performance, a clear-cut guy at the back end. If we don’t have a clear-cut guy that I feel should get the lion’s share, or should be the dedicated closer, then… I know people don’t like to hear it, but we may have to implement a closer by committee.”
A New Family Addition for Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman returned to the Dodgers on Tuesday, two days after the birth of his daughter, London Rosemary Joy Freeman. The name "London" pays tribute to his wife Chelsea’s English heritage, while “Rosemary Joy” honors Freeman’s late mother.
“I got to hold her one last time before I got on the plane this afternoon,” Freeman shared. “She’s perfect.”
After welcoming their daughter, Freeman commented that their family, now complete with four children, is not planning on any more additions. “You will not be seeing another baby announcement from the Freemans. This is it. We are happily done with four. She is the perfect addition.”
To accommodate Freeman’s return, the Dodgers optioned first baseman-outfielder Ryan Ward to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Ward made a notable debut last Friday, recording two hits and a run batted in.
“Ryan is an incredibly hard worker,” Freeman noted. “We all know he can do it. I’m sure there will be another opportunity for him to get back here.”
Additional Notes
Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will be in the lineup as both a hitter and pitcher on Wednesday, after not batting in his last outing. Blake Snell is set to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment on the same day, indicating that he will likely need four appearances before returning to the Dodgers.
The Dodgers also provided center fielder Andy Pages with his first day off on Tuesday; he currently leads the major leagues with a .370 batting average. Additionally, Dalton Rushing started behind the plate on Tuesday and is scheduled to do so again on Thursday, following Will Smith’s three starts over the weekend in Colorado.
