Tanner Scott’s Elbow Inflammation Halts Dodgers’ $72 Million Deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating yet another shake-up in their quest for October glory. Left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott just landed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, adding to the Dodgers’ ongoing bullpen headaches.

Scott, signed to a $72 million deal before the 2025 season, was supposed to bring some stability to late-game situations. Instead, his first year in Los Angeles has been shaky and unpredictable, leaving the Dodgers in a tough spot as they fight for playoff security.

Tanner Scott’s Rocky Start with the Dodgers

When the Dodgers signed Tanner Scott to a big multi-year contract, expectations soared. The former Miami Marlins standout showed off his velocity and strikeout stuff in Miami, so he looked like an ideal fit for Los Angeles.

But things haven’t gone as planned. Scott’s debut season with the Dodgers has been rough.

The Numbers Tell the Story

He’s struggled to close out games and has blown several save chances, especially when the pressure is highest. The Dodgers already had bullpen concerns before he arrived, and Scott’s issues with command—more walks, poorly located pitches—haven’t helped.

It’s hard not to wonder if the $72 million investment was a bit of a reach. Right now, both the team and fans are stuck waiting, hoping he can turn things around, though with this injury, optimism is fading.

The Impact of Scott’s Injury

Scott’s move to the injured list couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Dodgers are deep in a playoff race, and every win or blown save matters more than ever.

Losing a key piece like Scott puts even more weight on the rest of the pitching staff. The timing just stings.

Uncertainty Around Scott’s Return

No one really knows how long Scott will be out. Elbow injuries are tricky, and the Dodgers probably won’t rush him back.

Manager Dave Roberts now has to patch together the late innings with whoever’s available. He’ll need to trust other arms to step up and fill the gap.

What Scott’s Struggles Mean for the Dodgers

The Scott saga just highlights how tough it’s been for the Dodgers to keep their bullpen steady this season. The rotation still looks strong, but the bullpen? Not so much.

Scott’s struggles and now his injury just make the situation worse.

Dodgers’ Path Forward

With Scott out, the Dodgers have to look elsewhere for late-inning help. Guys like Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, and Caleb Ferguson could see bigger roles as the team tries to keep things under control at the end of games.

This might even be a shot for some younger, lesser-known arms to make a name for themselves in high-leverage spots. Off the field, the front office could start eyeing trades or waiver moves to find bullpen reinforcements. Not every move will work out, but at this point, they might not have a choice.

Final Thoughts: What Lies Ahead for Tanner Scott and the Dodgers

Tanner Scott’s injury and recent struggles have thrown up real obstacles for the Dodgers as they push toward the playoffs. Honestly, 2025 hasn’t been kind to Scott or the organization so far.

The Dodgers’ bullpen faces a big test right now. Can they adapt and find a way through this rocky stretch?

As the team fights to lock in a playoff spot, the bullpen’s response might end up making all the difference. For Scott, you have to hope some time off sparks a comeback—maybe he finds that edge again, the one that got him that $72 million deal in the first place.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers LHP Tanner Scott hits IL with elbow inflammation as struggles continue in first year of $72 million deal