The Dodgers are expected to acquire an experienced pitcher before the trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 13-11 start to the season hasn’t matched their expectations following significant offseason acquisitions. However, the team has been grappling with early-season injuries, particularly among the pitching staff. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicts that the Dodgers will acquire veteran reliever Tanner Scott from the Miami Marlins to bolster their pitching corps, which has struggled with injuries.
According to Kelly, the Dodgers aren’t necessarily seeking a closer, as Evan Phillips has performed well in that role, converting all five of his save attempts. However, adding Scott would provide manager Dave Roberts with another left-handed setup option alongside Alex Vesia, aiming to strengthen the transition from the starting pitcher to Phillips.
Scott is expected to be among the Marlins players available for trade, given the team’s poor 6-18 start to the season. Kelly suggests that come July, the Marlins will likely be looking to offload players.
The Dodgers have already dealt with multiple pitching injuries, including Brusdar Graterol’s placement on the 60-day injured list due to a right shoulder injury sustained during spring training. Walker Buehler, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2022, began the season on the injured list. Other pitchers like Kyle Hurt, Connor Brogdon, and Bobby Miller have also suffered injuries since the season began.
In response to these injuries, the Dodgers acquired Connor Brogdon from the Philadelphia Phillies and left-handed pitcher Nick Ramirez from the New York Yankees. Adding Scott would further bolster their bullpen depth, with the hope of getting their injured pitchers back on the field soon.
Scott, who has primarily served as a closer for the Marlins, is expected to transition to a setup role for the Dodgers. Despite his success in closing games, he’s likely to be utilized in high-leverage situations, given his impressive performance in 2023 and 2024.
With Scott set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, he presents an attractive option for contenders looking to strengthen their bullpen for a postseason run. The Dodgers, known for their aggressive pursuit of talent, are expected to be among the teams interested in acquiring Scott before the trade deadline.
