The Los Angeles Dodgers are headed to the playoffs, but not in the fashion they want at all. Just when it seems like they’re building consistency, they take a step back. A big part of the problem lies in the bullpen, which, once the postseason arrives, may force them to use Shohei Ohtani as a closer.
“The Dodgers are toying with the idea of using Shohei Ohtani in relief during the postseason, but if they do, he would vacate his spot in the lineup when his turn came up to hit. If he’s a starter, he’s permitted to stay in the game as a DH after he’s done pitching,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.
One of the Dodgers’ key relievers is Tanner Scott, who was highly sought after when he signed with LA.
“A day after the Dodgers welcomed Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, they introduced lefty relief ace Tanner Scott to Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon. Scott’s four-year, $72 million contract became official on Thursday, the club announced — another move to massively upgrade their pitching staff,” MLB.com’s Brian Murphy wrote.
It’s safe to say Scott hasn’t had the season he hoped for, and with the playoffs looming, he has a possible explanation for his struggles.
“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.
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If he is tipping pitches, he needs to figure out how to fix it quickly, or it could be game over for him. In a close playoff game, tipping pitches could cost the Dodgers a lead. Given his suspicion, Scott must review the film closely to identify what’s giving him away and how to stop it. This is a dangerous problem to have, especially in the playoffs when the only goal is to win.
