Some fans are starting to lose confidence in Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after his late-game strategy on Tuesday backfired on the team.
The Dodgers were clinging to a 4-3 lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks heading into the bottom of the ninth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. With the game hanging in the balance, Roberts went to closer Tanner Scott to pull out a victory.
Scott allowed the first two batters to reach base on a hit by pitch and a walk, respectively. A couple of sacrifice outs scored the tying run and gave Geraldo Perdomo a chance to end the game with a line-drive single to left field.
IT AIN’T OVER. pic.twitter.com/M3EAOjZr9M
https://twitter.com/Dbacks/status/1970705671021604902
Scott’s blown save wasted six shutout innings from Shohei Ohtani earlier in the contest. The situation must have felt like dejà vu for Dodgers fans after seeing virtually the same scenario unfold last week.
After Tuesday’s ninth-inning meltdown, Scott became the only pitcher this season to blow double-digit save opportunities (10 blown saves in 32 chances). Many fans put Roberts on blast for continuing to put his trust in Scott despite his worrisome body of work this season.
I’m not even mad at Tanner Scott, this is basically Dave Roberts just completely blowing it as a manager
The Dodgers have had all season to figure out bullpen roles. This ‘getting guys confidence’ decision making has led to too many losses. Embarrassing skipper
https://twitter.com/SorareRomar/status/1970705198902583370
Tanner Scott is literally approaching the all time blown saves in a season record. It’s not natural the way he has been used this year. Dodgers front office/Dave Roberts have intentionally used him in hopes that he’d just get better automatically by continuing to be bad in game. pic.twitter.com/DvUspHN0uO
https://twitter.com/InfiniteDodger/status/1970706463430713668
At some point we have to stop blaming Tanner Scott, and begin blaming Dave Roberts. We understand that he trusts players, but at some point you have to take players away from situations they’re not comfortable in
https://twitter.com/crod_sports/status/1970704950469763343
Scott entered Tuesday’s game with blown saves in four of his last eight save opportunities. In a Dodgers bullpen that’s been erratic all season long, Scott has arguably been the biggest disappointment.
The Dodgers are expected to mix things up when it comes to their relief pitching to close out the season. Roberts noted that Clayton Kershaw was available in relief on Tuesday and may be an option again for the rematch on Wednesday. Even returning rookie Roki Sasaki is projected to get a shot at saving the Dodgers’ bullpen.
