The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the playoffs as October approaches, with hopes of winning back-to-back World Series championships for the first time in a long while. One potential move could involve shifting Shohei Ohtani to the bullpen—a decision that’s causing frustration among other playoff-bound teams due to his unique two-way player status.
“Teams are upset that the Dodgers will have one more pitcher than everyone else on their roster since there’s a special exemption for Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote. “If Ohtani is a starting pitcher, he can remain in the game as a DH once he’s replaced on the mound.”
The Dodgers’ biggest struggle this season has been their bullpen—a problem that has persisted for much of the year. Tanner Scott, signed as a major offseason addition, was expected to help stabilize the relief corps. However, he hasn’t lived up to expectations, possibly due to tipping pitches.
“I don’t know if I’m tipping or what but they’re on everything. It sucks. … It was a fastball above the zone. Maybe I’m tipping. I have no friggin’ clue right now. It’s terrible. I’m having the worst year of my life. I gotta be better,” Scott told the media.
Tipping or not, Scott’s performance reached a low point Tuesday night when he became the league leader in blown saves—highlighting just how rough his season has been.
“10 blown saves for Tanner Scott this season. As you can guess, that leads all of baseball,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
This is certainly not where Scott wants to be in the final week of the regular season. Holding that mark could very well cost him his role as the team’s primary closer in the playoffs.
Still, the Dodgers remain confident in him—at least publicly. Given that Scott was their marquee offseason acquisition, they almost have no choice. He’ll be looking to turn things around before the postseason begins.
