Dodgers News: Could Tanner Scott Return to the Dodgers’ Bullpen for the World Series?

LOS ANGELES, CA—The 2025 World Series is approaching in less than a week, with Game One scheduled for Friday at either Dodger Stadium or Rogers Centre, depending on who wins the American League Championship Series. The Dodgers will have extra time to prepare their 26-man roster.

One potential decision for the team is whether left-handed reliever Tanner Scott could rejoin the roster.

Scott, 31, was ineligible for the National League Championship Series after being removed from the Dodgers’ 26-man roster during the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies due to a lower-half procedure, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

While many were quick to claim that Scott’s season was likely over, Roberts did not share that sentiment, stating that although Scott would miss the NLCS, he could be an option to return during the World Series if the team advances that far.

Well, the team did get that far, and it will be a discussion among the Dodgers’ brass about whether Scott is ready to return.

Scott signed a 4-year, $72 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason to serve as a late-game reliever for manager Dave Roberts, but that did not happen in his first year.

Scott was a significant liability for the Dodgers’ bullpen, losing his high-leverage role after blowing a career-high eleven saves and recording an ERA of 4.74.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post spoke with Scott about his recent health issue. It’s unclear whether Scott will make the World Series roster, but the veteran left-handed reliever is hopeful to be involved.

“Scott, who struggled his first year as Dodgers closer (4.74) but is among the most talented pen arms, told The Post he’s throwing and has hopes he can rejoin the team for the World Series,” Heyman wrote. “He called the ailment an infection while a Dodgers official called it a cyst. Scott is working hard, but it’s uncertain if there’s enough buildup time to rejoin the team as a back-end reliever, which coincidentally is what his recent procedure accomplished.”

Scott’s role changed as the Dodgers entered October, and despite being on the National League Wild Card Roster and the NLDS, he never appeared in a game.

With the Dodgers also having multiple left-handers in their bullpen like Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Banda, Jack Dreyer, and Alex Vesia, and considering his regular season struggles, it doesn’t make sense to include him on the roster when those guys have been OK in their roles.

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