The Los Angeles Dodgers’ already struggling bullpen will be without one of its key members as the team prepares for the NLCS.
The Dodgers have not been getting great production from their bullpen so far this postseason. Through a little over 36 innings pitched, Los Angeles’ starters have only let up eight earned runs, but the bullpen has allowed 13 earned runs while only pitching around 20 innings this postseason.
To make matters worse for the Dodgers’ bullpen, former All-Star reliever Tanner Scott will miss the NLCS after undergoing a procedure Wednesday, according to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
“The Dodgers will be without lefty reliever Tanner Scott for the remainder of their NLDS against the Phillies and all of the NLCS, should they reach it,” Chen wrote on Thursday. “‘Scott underwent a procedure to treat an abscess somewhere in the lower body area on Wednesday night’, manager Dave Roberts said. He was replaced on L.A.’s NLDS roster by fellow lefty Justin Wrobleski before Thursday’s Game 4 at Dodger Stadium.”
“The Dodgers are not ruling out a return for Scott in the World Series, if they advance that far,” Chen continued. “The team first became aware that Scott was dealing with something during Tuesday’s off-day workout at Dodger Stadium. There were also few options to replace him who would be available that day, as L.A.’s inactive pitchers who are still with the team threw live batting practice on Tuesday. But on Wednesday, Roberts said, Scott’s injury became an ‘urgent matter,’ necessitating the procedure, which has a recovery timetable of 1-2 weeks.”
Scott posted a 4.74 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 60 strikeouts across 61 appearances in his first season in Los Angeles. The 31-year-old reliever’s absence forced the Dodgers to replace him with Justin Wrobleski. Scott had already been replaced as the closer with Rōki Sasaki, who is one of the few members of the bullpen making a major impact for Los Angeles in the playoffs.
The Dodgers’ lineup and starting rotation have been strong points this postseason, but their depleted bullpen has little depth, which could be their downfall. Scott may be available to give the bullpen a boost if Los Angeles makes it to the World Series.
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