LOS ANGELES — While Shohei Ohtani rightfully drew the pregame spotlight before Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia, manager Dave Roberts also took time to talk about left-hander Tanner Scott, who has been working his way back from a rocky stretch in September. For Roberts, Scott remains a pivotal piece of the Dodgers’ October bullpen picture.
“The last two have been good,” Roberts said of Scott’s recent outings. “I think the stuff has been better. The slider’s been better. Hopefully we found something.”
From Struggles to Signs of Life
Scott has endured some difficult moments in the last few weeks, including costly outings that magnified questions about his reliability in high-leverage spots. At his best, Scott can overwhelm left-handed hitters with a devastating slider and mid-90s fastball. At his worst, he can lose the zone or leave a pitch over the plate.
The Dodgers gave him chances to work through those struggles, and the last two appearances have provided a glimmer of hope. For Roberts, those glimpses are enough to believe Scott can still be a trusted arm when the postseason begins.
A Manager’s Confidence
“He’s one of our guys,” Roberts said firmly. “I really believe without a doubt that for us to win the World Series, we’re going to need him. And for me, I don’t see any other side.”
That confidence is striking, especially given the volatility of bullpen roles in October. But Roberts has long prioritized trust in his relievers, and Scott, despite the ups and downs, remains someone the Dodgers view as essential.
The Mental Side of Relief
Beyond mechanics and pitch quality, Roberts emphasized the mental battle Scott faces. “The most important thing is for him to get the confidence that, you know, baseball doesn’t hate him and he’s the best option when he’s out there.”
It was an honest admission from a manager who has watched countless relievers ride the roller coaster of bullpen life. Confidence can be fleeting, but Roberts believes Scott is too talented to stay down for long.
A Critical October Role
The Dodgers’ bullpen has seen plenty of contributions this year from young arms like Justin Wrobleski and veterans like Blake Treinen, but left-handed depth is always at a premium in the postseason. Scott’s ability to neutralize big bats from the left side could make him indispensable in October matchups.
Roberts’ words weren’t just reassurance — they were a reminder of how the Dodgers view their path to another championship. They don’t just want Tanner Scott to be good; they expect him to be a difference-maker.
For Scott, the challenge is to keep building on the last two outings, turning a late-season rebound into postseason momentum. For the Dodgers, the hope is that when the lights come on in October, their faith in him will be rewarded.
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