Dodgers Place Tanner Scott on IL Amid Bullpen Injury Crisis

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing significant bullpen challenges after left-handed reliever Tanner Scott was placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation following a forearm injury sustained during a game against the Minnesota Twins. Scott, who is in the first year of a four-year, $72 million contract, has struggled this season with a 4.14 ERA, 19 saves, and a major league-leading seven blown saves. The injury adds to the Dodgers' already depleted bullpen, with several key pitchers including Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips sidelined. Manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism after initial tests but acknowledged the injury's emotional toll on Scott and the uncertainty ahead. The Dodgers recalled right-hander Alexis Diaz from Triple-A but he has yet to prove himself at the major league level, leading the team to likely accelerate their pursuit of bullpen reinforcements before the July 31 trade deadline. The situation underscores the urgency for the Dodgers to bolster their relief pitching to maintain competitiveness.