The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped a three-game losing stretch with a victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, but the game came with a setback as relief pitcher Tanner Scott exited due to a forearm injury. Scott sustained the injury late in the contest, raising concerns about his immediate availability and the Dodgers’ bullpen depth.
Scott entered the game in the eighth inning after Dustin May surrendered consecutive hits. He managed to retire the first batter he faced, earning another inning to pitch in the ninth.
During the ninth, Scott allowed a walk to Byron Buxton and later hit Brooks Lee with a pitch. While facing Ryan Jeffers with one out, Scott threw a wild 85.9 mph pitch that bounced well outside the strike zone. He then left the mound, visibly flexing his left arm in apparent discomfort.
Manager Dave Roberts and head trainer Thomas Albert immediately evaluated Scott, confirming it was a left forearm injury. Scott exited the game to undergo further testing to determine the severity of his condition.
Initial Medical Results on Scott’s Forearm and Next Steps
The first round of examinations, including X-rays and manual assessments, yielded positive signs, though they did not fully clarify the extent of the injury. Roberts spoke cautiously about the findings but acknowledged they were somewhat reassuring.
“There was an X-ray, there was manual testing, and then both those were positive,”
Roberts said.
He added that a stint on the injured list appears likely, though the full recovery timeline depends on the outcome of more detailed imaging.
Roberts described Scott’s emotional state as unsettled but he remained hopeful for further clarity once the MRI is completed.
“He just felt something in his forearm, as far as like a sting sensation. So we’re going to get an MRI tomorrow, and we’ll know more after that. So obviously, anytime a pitcher has got to come out of the game, then it’s concerning. And so I think for us, we’re just going to kind of sit back and wait for the results to further assess.”
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
The injury appeared to occur on a single pitch rather than being the result of an ongoing issue during Scott’s outing. Roberts speculated it was likely the last pitched ball that caused the discomfort.
“I’m not sure which pitch it was, but he said he felt like a sting,”
Roberts explained.
“I think it was probably the pitch before I went out there.”
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Implications of Scott’s Injury on Dodgers’ Trade Deadline Strategy
With the Major League Baseball trade deadline looming on July 31, the Dodgers had already identified reinforcement to their bullpen, particularly in relief pitching, as a priority. Scott’s uncertain status makes securing additional bullpen help an even more urgent concern.
So far this season, Tanner Scott has pitched 45.2 innings for Los Angeles, maintaining a 4.14 ERA complemented by 50 strikeouts and a 1.16 WHIP. He has also been the Dodgers’ primary closer, converting 19 saves in 26 opportunities.
Given his role and performance, his absence would significantly impact the Dodgers’ late-inning options, potentially forcing the front office to accelerate or expand their trade acquisition plans before the deadline.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Padres give up for Tanner Scott?
A. On Deadline Day, San Diego made three trades, with the biggest being a six-player deal with Miami. This trade brought All-Star left-hander Tanner Scott to the Padres. They also got right-hander Bryan Hoeing from Miami. In exchange, the Padres sent four prospects to the Marlins, including left-hander Robby Snelling.
Q. How good is Tanner Scott?
A. He ended the game after throwing 13 pitches, with nine being strikes, and it was his third consecutive day of pitching. This marked his fourth consecutive perfect inning. During these innings, he achieved six strikeouts, two saves, and two holds. Scott has a 3.63 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP with 40 strikeouts and only four walks. So far this season, he has 14 saves and seven holds in 34.2 innings.
Q. Is Tanner Scott a reliever?
A. Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott mentioned he’s struggling to throw accurately. The ESPN reporter covering this story also covered the L.A. Rams from 2016 to 2018 and the L.A. Angels from 2012 to 2016.
Q. Is Tanner Scott an all-star?
A. In January, the Dodgers agreed to a four-year contract worth $72 million with All-Star Tanner Scott.