Tanner Scott Begins Throwing Program

Tanner Scott suffered an injury scare on Monday, July 21 after he was forced to exit from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Minnesota Twins due to what was described as a left forearm injury at the time.

It seemed like it would be another blow to the Dodgers’ bullpen that has already struggled to stay healthy during the 2025 season. Thankfully, they got good news as Scott underwent an MRI that showed only elbow inflammation and that his ligaments remained intact.

Scott was confident he would return again in this season, but needed to take some time off from throwing to let the inflammation calm down.

Now just over one week later, Scott has resumed throwing, Dave Roberts said via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

Roberts said Tanner Scott has started playing catch.

It’s only the first step for Scott in the multiple he’ll have to take, but it’s still an encouraging sign. As long as the left-hander keeps bouncing back well from his throwing sessions, he will be able to advance to more long distance throwing, flat grounds, bullpen sessions and eventually facing hitters before a potential rehab assignment.

There’s no timetable for when Scott will be back, but Roberts doesn’t expect it to be a lengthy stint on the injured list:

“I still believe it’s going to be a shorter stint,” Roberts said. “But given the sensation that he went through, felt we’re still going to be careful. I really don’t even know what that means.”

Scott landed on the 15-day IL on July 22, which makes Wednesday, Aug. 6 the earliest day he could return. While he won’t return on that day, he should be able to return before the end of August, given he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

Tanner Scott relieved after MRI results

Scott felt a “sting” in his forearm after throwing an 85.9 mph fastball in the dirt, which caused him concern. Given forearm injuries are typically a precursor to Tommy John surgery, the 31-year-old was rightfully worried and cautious.

Initial testing on Scott’s forearm performed after he left the game provided encouraging results, but the MRI was much more definitive and gave him some clarity.

“Yeah. I mean, definitely when it was happening, I had no clue what was going on, because I’ve never had an arm issue in my entire career,” Scott said. “I felt it on the 1-1 pitch, and then it kept getting worse, and I had no clue what it is.

“So after [Tuesday], it kind of gave me a clear head.”