Dodgers closer Scott rebounds with strong August after difficult 2023 season

Tanner Scott, the Los Angeles Dodgers' new closer, is experiencing a significant resurgence this season, particularly in August where he recorded an impressive 1.35 ERA. This turnaround comes after a difficult 2023 campaign that saw him struggle with a 4.74 ERA and a high number of blown saves, leading to him being left off the postseason roster.

Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers in January 2025, acknowledged his previous struggles. "I was terrible last year, I messed some things up, mechanics, basically everything went wrong," Scott admitted. He identified predictability as a key issue, stating, "I became very predictable. It was a really bad season overall."

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I was terrible last year, I messed some things up, mechanics, basically everything went wrong. I became very predictable. It was a really bad season overall.

With Dodgers star closer Edwin Díaz sidelined by neck inflammation, Scott has stepped into the closer role. His performance this season has been a marked improvement, with a 2.28 ERA in 55 appearances, 18 saves, and a significantly lower batting average against (.197) compared to last year. Scott emphasized his readiness for the role, saying, "I just wait for the phone to ring, that's the only thing I do. It's the easiest way to keep yourself ready for any situation."

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I just wait for the phone to ring, that's the only thing I do. It's the easiest way to keep yourself ready for any situation.