The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a critical juncture as they look to shore up their bullpen amidst a string of injuries and the underwhelming performance of Tanner Scott. With names like Aroldis Chapman and Félix Bautista potentially on the trade market, the Dodgers' front office is weighing its options. However, the Colorado Rockies stand out as a team in sell mode, offering Jake Bird, a reliever experiencing a remarkable breakout season with a staggering 1.49 ERA and 45 strikeouts in just over 36 innings pitched. Bird’s emergence makes him an attractive target for the Dodgers, who need reliable arms to contend in the postseason.

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired reliever Tanner Scott this offseason in a four-year, $72 million deal, but his performance has been inconsistent. After an impressive start to the 2023 season with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, Scott has struggled with the Dodgers, recording a 4.73 ERA through his first 28 appearances. Nevertheless, he has shown signs of improvement, recently delivering two strong innings against the New York Mets, showcasing his potential to regain form.

Scott attributes his recent successes to physical adjustments, particularly in closing his lower half to help him stay through pitches. Despite injuries to several key pitchers, Scott has still secured 11 saves this season, positioning him as a crucial component of the Dodgers' bullpen. As other injured relievers, like Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates, prepare to return, Scott will likely continue to get save opportunities while balancing the workload with his teammates.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are contemplating trades as Tanner Scott's struggles continue, evidenced by a 4.55 ERA and several blown saves. With a history of aggressive moves, the Dodgers' front office, led by Andrew Friedman, is expected to pursue a closer ahead of the trade deadline. Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox, who has a stellar 1.88 ERA this season, has emerged as a potentially valuable asset. His experience in high-pressure situations makes him a prime candidate to bolster the Dodgers' bullpen.

Reports indicate that Chapman could fit well in Los Angeles, particularly with Scott's declining performance. The Dodgers aren't just looking for any reliever; they want an efficient closer who can secure wins in critical moments. Considering the prices for relievers in recent years, acquiring Chapman might come with a considerable cost, but it could significantly enhance their chances as they aim for a championship run.

Tanner Scott, once a highly sought-after reliever, has experienced a troubling start to his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After signing a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract, his performance has faltered significantly. In 26.2 innings, Scott has a 4.73 ERA, a stark contrast to his 1.75 ERA from last season. This decline includes a rise in opponent batting average from .179 to .267 and an increase in home runs allowed. His fastball, which he relied on heavily last year, is now being consistently hit, reflecting a drop in velocity and precision.

The Dodgers, already dealing with injuries to their pitching staff, find Scott's struggles particularly detrimental. With five blown saves already this season, Scott's performance is becoming a major concern for a team that owns a collective 4.13 ERA, ranking 22nd in the league. Manager Dave Roberts has faced challenges, particularly regarding the status of notable players like Mookie Betts, as he navigates through this turbulent period.

Tanner Scott, the newly assigned closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been struggling in high-pressure situations, particularly during recent games. In a notable ninth-inning collapse against the New York Mets, Scott allowed a three-run lead to evaporate, leading to a 13-inning game that the Dodgers eventually won, but at a significant cost to their fatigue-stricken bullpen. Scott's four blown saves this season have raised concerns as his ERA now sits at 3.42, a figure below expectations for a reliever with an All-Star pedigree.

Manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior pointed out that Scott's tendency to leave pitches in the middle of the strike zone is detrimental. His increased pitch percentage in the strike zone, currently at a career-high of over 58%, has led to batters making solid contact, with an average exit velocity close to 92 mph. Despite having a notable strikeout-to-walk ratio, Scott's recent performances underscore a troubling trend that the team must rectify quickly.