Cody Snavely
LOS ANGELES— After yesterday’s electric walk-off win courtesy of Mookie Betts‘ game-winning three-run home runs in the 10th inning, the Dodgers are riding high to their best start since the 1981 regular season. However, we must not forget how they got to extras after a Tanner Scott blown save.
Scott, 30, signed a massive 4-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers this winter, giving the organization not only one of the best left-handed bullpen arms but a full-time closer.
While Scott won’t close every game for the Dodgers per Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes before the start of spring training, he’ll get the most opportunities of the trio with veteran righties Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates.
However, yesterday was an outing to forget for Scott, who surrendered three hits and one earned run in his lone inning of work, giving a 6.00 ERA to start his Dodgers tenure.
What’s even more shocking about Scott’s outing is how he was not fooling a single Detroit Tigers hitter that frame with multiple exit velocities above 100mph and his fastball averaging around 94mph when he was in the 91st percentile in Fastball velocity last season (97mph).
After yesterday’s game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked whether he was concerned about Scott’s start, which he dismissed.
“It’s not mechanical; I think there’s some issues with the pitch selection, that he’s trying to fill the zone, which he always does,” stated Roberts. “But he’s kind of building up his velocity, and he’s getting into the swing of things, but he’s certainly, not a guy I’m concerned about.”
While not ideal, Roberts’ claims are true. The Dodgers’ short offseason and spring training could be a reason why multiple pitchers are still a tick below their usual start to the season.
While there are red flags in Scott’s game now, I wouldn’t be too concerned. He’ll undoubtedly get more opportunities this month to get on track.
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