Tag: Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers lose Eric Lauer to injured list amid latest rotation setback

By: @OOSSports

Eric Lauer

The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again dealing with uncertainty in their starting rotation.

Dodgers left-hander Eric Lauer was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday because of left elbow inflammation, according to the club’s official transaction record. The move comes one day after Lauer surrendered seven runs on eight hits, including two home runs, over three innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Veteran reliever Blake Treinen was reinstated from the 60-day injured list in the corresponding move. Will Klein was transferred to the 60-day IL to create room on the 40-man roster.

Lauer’s injury creates another opening in a Dodgers rotation that has repeatedly been forced to adjust this season.

Eric Lauer injury creates another Dodgers rotation question

Lauer had only recently returned to the starting five.

Los Angeles previously shifted him to the bullpen after Tyler Glasnow returned from injury, but Roki Sasaki’s blister opened another rotation spot. Lauer received that opportunity Tuesday before the Cardinals roughed him up.

Now the Dodgers must find another solution.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal are scheduled to handle the final two games of the St. Louis series, while Glasnow and Blake Snell are expected to take two of the starts this weekend against the Washington Nationals.

That leaves at least one opening.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic identified Emmet Sheehan as a likely candidate for a spot start. Sheehan was optioned Aug. 21 and would ordinarily be ineligible to return until Saturday unless directly replacing a player placed on the injured list.

Los Angeles acquired Lauer from the Toronto Blue Jays in May for cash considerations after he struggled to a 6.69 ERA through eight appearances with Toronto.

Blake Treinen returns to bolster Dodgers bullpen

Lauer’s absence hurts the rotation, but Treinen’s return provides a needed boost elsewhere.

The 38-year-old had been sidelined since June because of right elbow inflammation. Before the injury, Treinen posted a 3.52 ERA over 23 innings. Imaging showed no structural damage when he originally landed on the IL.

Treinen recently completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City and had been expected to return in early September.

His return is especially important for a Dodgers bullpen that has lacked dependable right-handed high-leverage options.

Los Angeles now faces another rotation shuffle during a stretch of nine consecutive game days. Lauer’s elbow issue only adds to the challenge of navigating September while keeping the pitching staff healthy for October.

Thanks for reading OutOfSightSports. Follow @OOSSports across social media for the latest sports news, analysis, and viral moments. Then check out the latest episode of the OutOfSightSports YouTube series, where we highlight five potential fantasy football sleepers who could help win your league in 2026.

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Dodgers reach historic low with four-game losing skid not seen since 1936

Dodgers Max Muncy and Giants Luis ArrĂĄez

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially entered territory the franchise has not seen in nearly a century.

Following another frustrating loss Tuesday night, the Dodgers completed a four-game skid in which every defeat came by at least four runs, marking the first time that has happened to the franchise since July 1936 during the Brooklyn Dodgers era.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale highlighted the historic low on X, formerly Twitter, crediting researcher Jessica Brand for uncovering a startling statistic few would associate with the back-to-back, defending World Series champions.

“The Dodgers have now lost 4 games in a row by 4 or more runs. The last time it happened? It was 90 years ago, back in July, 1936, per @JessicaDBrand“

Dodgers endure brutal home stand

The streak unfolded entirely at Dodger Stadium and quickly spiraled into one of the ugliest stretches of baseball the organization has experienced in decades.

The Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants outscored Los Angeles 29-9 across all four contests, as Los Angeles lost consecutive games to them.

May 9 vs. Braves

The Dodgers opened the skid with a 7-2 loss as Blake Snell struggled early and Atlanta quickly built a large lead. Los Angeles managed just six hits while the offense once again stalled for long stretches.

May 10 vs. Braves

Another 7-2 loss followed the next night. Atlanta starter Bryce Elder controlled the game, while Mauricio DubĂłn delivered a crushing three-run double that widened the gap.

May 11 vs. Giants

The series against San Francisco only deepened the frustration. The Giants handed the Dodgers a 9-3 loss after erupting late behind a homer from Rafael Devers and multiple insurance runs in the final innings.

May 12 vs. Giants

Tuesday’s 6-2 loss officially cemented the historic streak. Yoshinobu Yamamoto surrendered two home runs to Eric Haase while Shohei Ohtani snapped his homer drought with a solo shot that ultimately provided little momentum.

Offensive struggles becoming major concern

The most alarming part of the skid may be the Dodgers’ offensive inconsistency.

Los Angeles scored only two runs in three of the four games and failed repeatedly in key situational moments. Even when traffic reached the bases, the lineup struggled to capitalize.

Ohtani’s recent slump became a major topic of discussion throughout the homestand, while the lineup overall failed to generate sustained pressure despite its star power.

Historic comparison adds weight

The last Dodgers team to endure a four-game streak of losses by four or more runs came in July 1936, when the franchise still played in Brooklyn under manager Casey Stengel.

That club finished 67-87 and remains remembered as one of the weaker eras in franchise history.

For a modern Dodgers team carrying championship expectations, a massive payroll, and one of baseball’s most talented rosters, the comparison lands heavily.

Pressure mounting in NL West race

The timing also creates additional concern in the standings. (Updated following 5/12/26’s games.)*

The Dodgers entered the stretch firmly in the National League West race, but the skid allowed division rivals to gain ground while simultaneously boosting San Francisco’s momentum.

Questions are now surfacing about lineup adjustments, bullpen consistency, and whether the current offensive issues are simply a temporary cold stretch or the sign of something deeper.

What comes next

No team in baseball possess the talent ceiling the Dodgers still have.

But historic stretches like these do not happen accidentally, especially for contenders built around superstars and championship expectations.

For now, the Dodgers are attached to a statistic that traces all the way back to 1936—a reality nobody around Chavez Ravine expected entering this season.

The next few weeks could determine whether the outcome from the sluggish stretch becomes a brief stumble or turns into a defining turning point for the 2026 Dodgers.

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This stat shows how absurd Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance has become

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4/8/2026

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Shohei Ohtani 4/8/2026

While Shohei Ohtani has achieved numerous impressive statistics throughout his career, one particular statistic may more accurately reflect his two-way dominance than any highlight reel. According to Underdog MLB on X, formerly Twitter, MLB’s longest active on-base streak is 42 games, and the longest active scoreless innings streak among starting pitchers is 22.2 innings — and Ohtani holds both, underscoring just how dominant he is as a true two-way superstar.

What makes this particular milestone so absurd is that Ohtani is doing both at once. While other stars fight just to stay hot in one phase of the game, he leads all of MLB in two of the most demanding streak categories at the same time: getting on base more consistently than anyone and preventing runs better than any other active starter. It’s the clearest possible illustration of why his two-way profile is unlike anything baseball has seen in the modern era.

The timing of the post adds another layer to the story. It went up on the morning of April 8, 2026, right in the thick of the 2026 MLB regular season. That means this isn’t a cherry-picked sample from a soft September schedule or a small early-season blip. These streaks are unfolding in real time, against fully locked-in lineups, as the Los Angeles Dodgers lean on Ohtani to be both a middle-of-the-order bat and a top-of-the-rotation arm.

A 42-game on-base streak solidifies a hitter’s position among the elite in the game. Reaching base in that many straight contests demands more than just power; it takes plate discipline, consistency, and the ability to adjust as pitchers change their game plans day after day. At the same time, a 22.2-inning scoreless streak as a starting pitcher is ace-level production, requiring outing after outing of shutting lineups down, navigating traffic, and executing pitches with almost no margin for error.

Visually, the post makes the narrative impossible to ignore. Seeing Ohtani side-by-side in both roles—one frame as a feared slugger, the other as an overpowering starter—reinforces the idea that this is not just about stats on a page. It is about one player carrying responsibilities that usually belong to two different superstars, then outperforming everyone in both lanes; the numbers in the graphic do the talking, and they back up every bit of hype around his two-way legend.

Thanks for reading — if you enjoyed this piece, be sure to check out the latest episode on the OutOfSightSports YouTube channel. 🚀 ⬇️

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Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s first 2026 home run sparks offensive breakout vs. Nationals

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4/3/2026

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Shohei Ohtani 4/3/2026 first home run of season

Shohei Ohtani got into the home run column for the first time of the 2026 MLB season, launching his first long ball during Friday afternoon’s series opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals. The star slugger drove a ball to right field in the third inning, marking his first homer of the year.

The three-run shot erased an early deficit and pulled Los Angeles level after Washington struck first on a three-run homer from CJ Abrams in the opening frame. Ohtani’s swing marked a pivotal moment, sparking a surge at the plate for the Dodgers.

Shortly after, Mookie Betts followed with a two-run homer. The power display continued as Andy Pages and Freddie Freeman each added two-run shots across the third and fourth innings. Kyle Tucker, recently added to the roster, contributed a solo blast in the seventh, helping Los Angeles pull away for a 13-6 victory.

Ohtani entered the game in a noticeable early-season slump, carrying a .167/.423/.167 slash line. He had managed just three hits in 18 at-bats, though he had crossed the plate twice via walks. Despite the slow opening stretch, this type of start is familiar for the two-way standout. At the same point last season, he had three home runs, and in 2024, his first homer also came on April 3. The Dodgers had played only seven games to that point, with the schedule slightly delayed due to the World Baseball Classic.

The four-time MVP finished last season with 55 home runs, leaving ample runway to approach that mark again with 155 games remaining in 2026.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Ohtani recently returned to the mound, tossing six scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians earlier in the week.

Across the league, several of last year’s top power hitters have also started slowly. Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who led MLB in home runs in 2025, has yet to homer and has just four hits in 25 at-bats. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees endured a rough Opening Day with four strikeouts in five at-bats but has since rebounded with multiple homers, including another on Friday.

Meanwhile, Kyle Schwarber has stood out early. After finishing with 56 home runs last season, he wasted no time making an impact, launching a two-run homer in the first inning on Opening Day to set the tone for his 2026 campaign.

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Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani makes pitching debut Tuesday vs. Guardians

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3/31/2026

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Shohei Ohtani pitching debut 3/31

The moment baseball has been waiting for is finally here.

Shohei Ohtani will take the mound Tuesday night for the Los Angeles Dodgers, making his first pitching appearance of the 2026 season against the Cleveland Guardians. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, and for the first time this year, Ohtani will fully return to his role as a two-way force.

This isn’t just another start—it’s a milestone.

With Roki Sasaki taking the ball Monday and Yoshinobu Yamamoto scheduled for Wednesday, the Dodgers will become the first team in Major League history to start three consecutive Japanese-born pitchers in a single series.

A unique buildup to the moment

Ohtani’s path to this debut didn’t follow a traditional spring ramp-up.

For much of Spring Training, he was away from the Dodgers while competing in the World Baseball Classic, where he appeared exclusively as a hitter. That limited his early work on the mound, leaving questions about how quickly he could be stretched out to handle a full outing.

Once he returned, the progression accelerated.

Ohtani built up through bullpen sessions and live at-bats before making two spring appearances—one in the Cactus League and another in the Freeway Series. Those outings showed he was further along than initially expected, putting him in position to open the season as a true starter rather than a limited option.

What to expect on the mound

Manager Dave Roberts is anticipating a typical starter’s workload, though nothing is rigid.

Roberts emphasized flexibility in how the team plans to handle Ohtani’s innings, as first reported by Sonja Chen of MLB.com. (SOURCE)

“Honestly, with Shohei, you’ve got to be willing to adapt. Because if he’s really efficient, then you’re still trying to win the game. And if it makes sense, I’m not going to just pull the plug just because of a certain number.”

That mindset reflects the bigger picture.

The Dodgers understand that managing Ohtani isn’t about strict pitch counts or inning limits. It’s about feel, communication, and reading the moment—especially with a player who impacts the game in multiple ways.

Balancing workload after recent seasons

Ohtani’s return to the mound comes after a gradual buildup.

Last season, he posted a 2.87 ERA across limited innings while continuing to work back from his second major elbow surgery. His outings were carefully managed, often increasing workload incrementally rather than pushing for length.

Now, expectations shift toward a more complete role.

Even so, the Dodgers will continue to monitor his usage closely. The plan isn’t static, and adjustments will be made based on how he feels between starts and how his outings unfold.

Elite arsenal still intact

From a talent perspective, Ohtani remains one of the most dominant arms in baseball.

He pairs upper-90s velocity with a deep mix of secondary pitches, giving him the ability to attack hitters in multiple ways. His command, when locked in, allows him to control at-bats and dictate tempo, while his ability to adjust mid-game separates him from most starters.

But the intrigue isn’t just about stuff.

It’s about how quickly he can settle back into a rhythm as a full-time two-way player.

Bigger implications for Los Angeles

For the Dodgers, this outing is part of a larger equation.

The rotation has talent, but also moving pieces early in the season. Ohtani’s presence adds stability and upside, even if his workload is managed. If he returns to peak form, it changes the ceiling of the entire staff.

And beyond the numbers, there’s the impact factor.

Few players in baseball can shift a game—or a season—the way Ohtani can when he’s fully active on both sides of the ball.

Tuesday night is the next step in that return.

And once again, the spotlight belongs to him.

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Shohei Ohtani racks up 11 strikeouts but fades late in final spring start

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3/25/2026

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Shohei Ohtani Pitching final spring training game dodgers 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers saw both dominance and a late reminder of buildup limits from Shohei Ohtani in his final spring training outing.

Facing his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani struck out 11 of the first 14 batters he faced before running into trouble in the fifth inning.

His final line showed both sides of the outing. Ohtani went just over four innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs with two walks and 11 strikeouts on 86 pitches. He also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-2.

Early dominance sets the tone

Ohtani looked fully in control through four innings, showcasing elite swing-and-miss stuff and sharp command.

His fastball and secondary pitches generated consistent whiffs, reinforcing expectations that he will be a key part of the Dodgers’ rotation to open the 2026 season.

The performance built on his first spring outing, where he reached 61 pitches and touched 99.9 mph, signaling his progression toward full workload readiness.

Velocity dip raises questions

The fifth inning told a different story.

After sitting at 79 pitches through four dominant frames, Ohtani returned to the mound and immediately showed signs of fatigue. He allowed three consecutive singles and saw a noticeable drop in velocity.

His four-seam fastball averaged 96.5 mph in this outing, down from 98.4 mph in his previous appearance. More notably, his velocity dipped further in the fifth inning, with fastballs registering in the 93–94 mph range.

That decline stood in contrast to the end of the fourth inning, when he was still reaching the mid-to-upper 90s.

Dodgers focused on workload buildup

While a sudden velocity drop can sometimes raise concern, this outing appears more tied to workload progression than injury.

Ohtani entered spring training with a unique ramp-up process after pitching in the World Baseball Classic and building up through bullpen sessions and simulated games.

The Dodgers extended him further than in his previous outing, likely to test his endurance ahead of the regular season.

Ready for Opening Day role

Despite the late stumble, Ohtani’s overall performance reinforced that he is close to full readiness.

The strikeout total and early dominance highlight his ceiling, while the fifth-inning fatigue underscores that he is still being stretched out for longer outings.

As the Dodgers prepare to begin the 2026 season, Ohtani remains a central piece of the rotation with the ability to dominate when fully built up.

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World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto named Dodgers’ Opening Day starter

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3/16/2026

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The Los Angeles Dodgers will once again turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto to begin a new season.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed during spring training that Yamamoto will start the Dodgers’ 2026 Opening Day matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26 at Dodger Stadium. The announcement marks the second consecutive season the right-hander has received the Opening Day assignment.

Yamamoto has quickly established himself as the centerpiece of the Dodgers’ rotation since arriving in Los Angeles. After signing a record-setting 12-year, $325 million contract, the Japanese ace has delivered consistent results both in the regular season and in the postseason.

The 27-year-old enters the 2026 campaign with a 19-10 record and a 2.66 ERA across 48 regular-season starts with the Dodgers. His dominance has extended into October as well. Yamamoto owns a 7-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in 10 postseason appearances, including nine starts.

His biggest moments came during last season’s World Series run. Yamamoto won both of his starts in the championship series and also played a role in closing out the title. In Game 7, he recorded the final outs of the season to secure the Dodgers’ championship.

That performance placed him among a rare group of pitchers in baseball history. Only three other pitchers have won both Game 6 and Game 7 of the same World Series: Randy Johnson in 2001, Harry Brecheen in 1946 and Ray Kremer in 1925.

The Dodgers also opened last season with Yamamoto on the mound. That game took place in Tokyo, where he allowed just one run over five innings in a win over the Chicago Cubs in front of fans in his home country.

Now he will once again take the ball for the defending back-to-back World Series champions as Los Angeles begins the 2026 season against Arizona.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to check out the latest episode of the OutOfSightSports YouTube series below for more coverage, analysis, and the latest updates across the sports world.

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Dodgers Re-Sign Evan Phillips to $6.5 Million Deal Amid Tommy John Recovery

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2/11/26

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back a familiar late-inning arm.

Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips has re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the team announced Wednesday. The agreement ends a brief free agency period after the Dodgers chose to non-tender Phillips in November rather than take him through arbitration.

According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers remained in steady contact with Phillips throughout the offseason, even as he continued recovering from Tommy John surgery performed June 4.

A Strategic Reunion

Phillips, 31, is not expected to return until after the 2026 All-Star break. The Dodgers weighed the financial uncertainty tied to his rehab before deciding to bring him back on a slightly higher salary than his projected arbitration figure.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously acknowledged the challenge of re-signing a pitcher coming off elbow reconstruction, but emphasized Phillips’ value to the organization’s recent success.

Los Angeles ultimately prioritized continuity in a bullpen that has leaned heavily on Phillips in high-leverage moments over the past several seasons.

Track Record of Elite Production

Since arriving on a waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, Phillips has quietly developed into one of the National League’s most dependable relievers.

Across 201 appearances with the Dodgers, he owns a 2.22 ERA and 2.87 expected ERA, along with 221 strikeouts against just 52 walks in 195 innings. He has also converted 45 saves during that span.

In 2025, Phillips’ season was derailed early. He opened the year on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain linked to the previous postseason. He appeared in only seven games before undergoing surgery, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

Roster Implications

To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment. Rortvedt had recently been reclaimed off waivers but faced a crowded depth chart behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.

If Rortvedt clears waivers, Los Angeles could retain him as organizational depth without occupying a 40-man spot.

Looking Ahead

The move signals patience rather than urgency. Phillips will not impact the early months of the season, but the Dodgers are betting on his ability to anchor the bullpen down the stretch.

For a team with championship expectations, bringing back a proven high-leverage arm — even on a delayed timeline — represents a calculated investment in October stability.

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Dodgers predicted to move on from $17 million outfielder this offseason

Dodgers Predicted to Move On From $17 Million Outfielder This Offseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers appear ready to move on from a high-priced outfield experiment.

Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, who signed a one-year, $17 million deal this past offseason, may be playing his final months in Dodger blue. According to FanSided’s Katrina Stebbins, the organization is expected to part ways with Conforto after the 2025 season concludes.

Trade Deadline Move Signals Direction

The Dodgers acquired Alex Call from the Washington Nationals at the deadline—an under-the-radar move with major implications. Call is now projected to be the team’s everyday left fielder moving forward, which not only pushes Conforto further down the depth chart but also reflects the team’s waning confidence in the veteran slugger.

“Conforto was probably breathing the deepest sigh of relief of anyone in baseball when the Dodgers didn’t trade for a superstar outfielder at the deadline,” Stebbins wrote.

“But he fits more into the profile of a fourth outfielder… and even that might be generous right now.”

Harsh Reality for Conforto

Conforto’s 2025 campaign has fallen far below expectations. While exact stats were not listed, his production has reportedly been underwhelming enough to make even a qualifying offer seem out of reach this offseason.

“Unless he turns into the best player in baseball in the last two months, letting Conforto walk again in free agency will be the easiest thing in the world for the Dodgers,” Stebbins added. “Even if he was eligible for a qualifying offer, it wouldn’t be extended.”

Market Value Sliding

Conforto’s projected free-agent value is declining fast. According to Spotrac, he’s currently tracking toward a one-year deal worth just $4.7 million—down significantly from the contract he received entering 2025.

The only way to reverse that narrative? A strong finish to the regular season and meaningful contributions in the postseason.

Alex Call’s Role Moving Forward

While Call may not be viewed as a long-term cornerstone, he appears to be a safer, more versatile option in the near term. His ability to play all three outfield spots and contribute defensively has helped him quickly earn trust in Los Angeles.

On a contending roster loaded with All-Stars, Call doesn’t need to be a superstar—he just needs to be solid. That, right now, is more than can be said for Conforto.

Looking Ahead

With the Dodgers eyeing another deep playoff run, the spotlight will be on Conforto to prove his value down the stretch. But unless he turns things around fast, his time in Los Angeles may end quietly—and without a return offer.

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Dodgers reliever exits last night’s game with arm pain

Veteran reliever Tanner Scott exited Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins in the top of the ninth inning after experiencing pain in his left pitching arm. The incident occurred with one out while Scott was facing Minnesota catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a brief update postgame.“He said it felt like a sting,” Roberts told MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.

“The X-ray and some of the initial manual tests didn’t show anything serious, but we’re being cautious.”

Scott is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury. Roberts hinted that the left-hander is likely headed to the injured list, regardless of the results.“Hopefully it’s something that’s more of a scare and then we can kind of put him on ice for a little bit and get him back,” Roberts added.

Scott, 31, has been the Dodgers’ primary closer this season. He owns a subpar 1-2 record with a 4.14 ERA and a team-leading 19 saves in 2025. He gave up a run and issued two walks on 22 pitches across two-thirds of an inning before leaving the mound.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has already endured multiple injuries this season. If the Dodgers closer misses extended time, manager Dave Roberts and the front office will need to consider internal promotions or explore the trade market as the MLB trade deadline nears.

Stay tuned for updates on Scott’s MRI results and the Dodgers’ next move as they navigate another potential bullpen setback.

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