Dodgers' Tanner Scott Reveals How He Got Back on Track After Nightmare First Season When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed relief pitcher Tanner Scott two winters ago, the move generated significant excitement within the organization. The team had just won the World Series, and the acquisition of arguably the best bullpen arm on the market was seen as a strategic move to address a key weakness. However, Scott's 2025 season with the Dodgers quickly devolved into a challenging chapter of his career. The veteran struggled to maintain consistency on the mound, leading to a turbulent year marked by erratic performances. By midseason, he was removed from the closer role and missed the postseason after undergoing a medical procedure. Over the course of the 2025 season, Scott appeared in 61 games, posting an ERA of 4.74 while securing only 23 of 33 save opportunities. Despite the struggles, Scott's second season with the Dodgers has seen a dramatic turnaround. He recently opened up about the mental and physical adjustments that helped him regain his form. "I just tried washing it away," Scott told The Athletic. "Literally, when January 1 happened, new year, new — going back to what I used to do and just being yourself and trusting your ability and believing your stuff. It’s kind of going out there with a ‘F you, F it’ mindset, and just rolling." This shift in approach has translated into tangible results, as Scott has appeared in 21 games this season with an impressive ERA of 1.37. His resurgence has been particularly valuable for the Dodgers, especially with closer Edwin Díaz sidelined by an injury. Scott’s improved performance has been attributed to specific adjustments he made earlier in the year. Last season, he often struggled with putting the ball in harm’s way, particularly when facing two strikes.#2025_season #los_angeles_dodgers #the_athletic #edwin_diaz #tanner_scott
Tanner Scott's Redemption Arc: From Criticism to Dominance in 2026 The Los Angeles Dodgers' once-derided closer, Tanner Scott, has transformed from a polarizing figure in 2025 to a dominant lefty reliever in 2026, silencing critics who once questioned his role on the team. After a disastrous 2025 season marked by a 4.74 ERA, 15 blown saves, and a lack of postseason appearances, Scott’s resurgence has redefined his value to the Dodgers. By mid-May 2026, his performance has shifted the narrative entirely, with fans and analysts alike acknowledging his resurgence. Scott’s 2026 season has been nothing short of remarkable. Through May 24, he posted a 1.25 ERA, a 32.5% strikeout rate, and a 3.9% walk rate, showcasing his dominance in the late innings. His fastball averages nearly 97 mph, and he consistently throws first-pitch strikes to 75% of batters. These numbers contrast sharply with his 2025 struggles, where he posted a 4.74 ERA and led the league in blown saves. Advanced metrics further support his turnaround: his xERA of 2.97 and FIP of 2.39 indicate that his success is not merely a product of luck. His 17.9% swinging strike rate ranks seventh among relievers, underscoring his effectiveness against opposing hitters. The Dodgers’ strategic shift in Scott’s role has been pivotal to his revival. After acquiring Edwin Diaz in a three-year, $69 million deal over the winter, the team moved Scott from the closer role to a setup man, a position he thrived in during his time with the San Diego Padres. This adjustment alleviated the pressure of closing games and allowed Scott to leverage his matchup-based strengths. The results were immediate, with Scott delivering consistent performances in high-leverage situations.#los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #andrew_friedman #edwin_diaz #tanner_scott
Dodgers 2026 Bullpen Preview: Edwin Diaz Joins Elite Core The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to have a full-time closer for the first time since 2021 as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team’s acquisition of All-Star reliever Edwin Díaz during the offseason addresses a long-standing issue that hindered their bullpen in 2025. First-year closer Tanner Scott struggled after signing a multi-year deal, leading the Dodgers to shift Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki into the role in October. Díaz, a dominant closer with the New York Mets, returns to the majors after declining the final two years of his $102 million, five-year contract. Over seven seasons with the Mets, he posted a 2.36 ERA, 2.12 SIERA, and 2.15 FIP, along with a 40.8% strikeout rate and 8.9% walk rate. He recorded 144 saves in 332 appearances, establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. Despite turning 32 this season, projections from FanGraphs anticipate a 2.92 ERA and 2.90 FIP across 66 innings for Díaz in Los Angeles. With the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, he is expected to surpass his 28 saves from 2025. Díaz missed most of the Cactus League action due to participation with Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic but has since returned to Camelback Ranch. His presence in the bullpen provides stability, as the Dodgers’ 2025 team ranked 10th in the league with 25 blown saves. Manager Dave Roberts expressed relief at having a reliable 9th-inning option, citing Díaz’s track record of success. Tanner Scott, the team’s previous closer, faced significant challenges in his first season with the Dodgers. After a stellar 2024 campaign with a 1.75 ERA and 28.6% strikeout rate, Scott struggled in 2025, posting a 4.74 ERA, 4.70 FIP, and 11 blown saves. His 25.#world_baseball_classic #los_angeles_dodgers #edwin_diaz #tanner_scott #roki_sasaki
