After making significant offseason additions, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 13-11 start is not really what the franchise had in mind. But early in the season, the team is coping with some significant injuries, particularly to the pitching staff. According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, the Dodgers are expected to acquire veteran reliever Tanner Scott from the Miami Marlins in order to add another arm to a team that has had difficulty keeping healthy thus far.
The Dodgers have turned in all five of their save attempts, so they aren’t necessarily searching for a closer. However, signing Scott would provide Alex Vesia and manager Dave Roberts with another left-handed setup option when the Dodgers attempt to get the ball to Phillips from the starting pitcher, as Kelly wrote.
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Scott is probably going to be one of the several Marlins players up for trade. According to Kelly, “fish will be on the menu in July” and the Marlins are 6–18 on the season.
Current Pitching Injuries for the Dodgers
A number of pitchers have already been sidelined by the Dodgers because of injury. Due to a right shoulder injury he received during spring training, right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol was placed on the 60-day injured list. Walker Buehler started the season on the disabled list; he hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2022.
In addition, the Dodgers have lost Bobby Miller, Connor Brogdon, and Kyle Hurt to injuries since the season started. After Graterol was unable to begin the season with the team, the Dodgers have already made transactions to strengthen the bullpen.
The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reports that on April 6, the Dodgers acquired Brogdon from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league lefty Benony Robles. Additionally, they received monetary considerations in exchange for left-handed pitcher Nick Ramirez from the New York Yankees. The Dodgers aim to add another elite arm to their bunch when Scott becomes fit.
“If Helsley, Emmanuel Clase, and David Bednar aren’t available, expect Tanner Scott to be among the most sought-after relievers on the market.” Although Scott might be a better choice at this point, especially if your team is more interested in a setup man than a closer, the Red Sox are probably willing to sell Kenley Jansen, Kelly writes.
Although Scott has saved four of his five chances to save the game in 2024, the Dodgers would probably use him as a setup man. He has pitched 10.2 innings with a 3.38 ERA. He pitched in 74 games for the Marlins in 2023, striking out 104 batters while sporting a 2.31 ERA.
At the deadline, the Dodgers won’t be the only team searching for outstanding relievers. Kelly also mentioned the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers as possible suitors.
As a team that makes sense for Scott as a rental addition, Kelly noted, “you can add the Dodgers—who are about as all-in as any team has ever been.” After the season, Scott will be a free agent without restrictions. He would be an ideal trade partner for a team hoping to add a few more players before the postseason.
