Dodgers Replace High-Leverage Reliever on Postseason Roster

Dodgers Remove Tanner Scott from NLDS Roster

“Personal Reasons”

Last night, Manager Dave Roberts said that Scott was not at the ballpark due to personal reasons. Today, Roberts revealed that the left-hander had an abscess removed from his lower body, is recovering well, and will be ready by the World Series if the Dodgers go that far. Apparently, the injury took everyone by surprise. Roberts said they “didn’t know enough about the situation” before yesterday’s game to make the move prior to Game Three.

Sacrificial Lamb?

It would certainly explain why the Dodgers manager put Clayton Kershaw back out in the eighth inning after barely escaping the seventh without allowing a run. It appears that Los Angeles may have left Kershaw out there to wear the loss. The future Hall of Fame pitcher, who has had a spotty postseason record, allowed five runs. Unfortunately, it was exacerbated by a Max Muncy error. The Dodgers rarely use their high-leverage relievers when the team is behind since the bullpen hasn’t had very many reliable arms in the second half of the season.

Adding Injury to Insult

Scott’s struggles this year have been well-documented. The left-handed closer has blown 10 saves this season, which is uncharacteristic of his career resumé. His ERA has been over four for most of the year. To be fair, the whole bullpen has struggled too. This has led the Dodgers to rely on their starting rotation to get pivotal outs and make rookie Roki Sasaki the primary closer.

It is clear the Dodgers are taking an unconventional route in a bid for another World Series ring. They are hoping to ride it to nine more wins.