Tanner Scott’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Los Angeles Dodgers. On a night that should have been remembered for Shohei Ohtani’s continued dominance and Will Smith’s clutch performance, the postgame buzz centered instead on Scott’s troubling forearm discomfort that now threatens to derail key aspects of the team’s pitching plans moving forward. The injury not only clouded the Dodgers’ 6–3 win over the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium, but also sparked questions about the stability and long-term health of the bullpen as the postseason inches closer.
The victory itself was impressive. Ohtani reminded fans once again why he’s a generational talent, smashing his 35th home run of the season and making a daring baserunning play that electrified the crowd. Smith continued to show why he’s one of the most reliable bats in the lineup, delivering key RBI hits that gave the Dodgers breathing room when they needed it most. But in the ninth inning, all that momentum came to a screeching halt as Tanner Scott, brought in to close the game, visibly grimaced after a pitch and immediately gestured toward the dugout. Trainers rushed to the mound. The stadium, which had been pulsing with celebration just minutes earlier, fell into an uneasy silence.
Scott has been a critical piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen since his acquisition. The hard-throwing lefty has provided consistent late-inning relief, often bridging the gap between the starting rotation and the closer’s role. His recent performances have been stellar—sub-2.00 ERA over the past month, a reliable strikeout rate, and poise under pressure. When he entered the game Tuesday night, few doubted he would lock things down. But after just seven pitches, his night was over. And possibly, much more.
Manager Dave Roberts addressed the media after the game, clearly concerned. He didn’t mince words. “It’s a left forearm issue,” Roberts said. “He felt something grab, and that’s never a good sign. He’s going to get imaging done tomorrow, but realistically, he’s likely headed to the injured list.” That sentiment was echoed around the clubhouse, where players didn’t want to speculate but understood the gravity. For any pitcher, especially one throwing high-velocity breaking stuff, forearm discomfort is a red flag. It’s often a precursor to more serious elbow issues, and in some cases, the dreaded Tommy John surgery.
Ohtani, who is no stranger to arm injuries himself, spoke briefly about Scott’s setback. “That’s tough, especially in a moment like that,” he said through an interpreter. “You want your teammates to be healthy. I hope it’s something minor, and he’s back soon.” Will Smith also expressed support. “Tanner’s been huge for us. He’s one of those guys you trust out there in a tight spot. We’re all pulling for him.”
The timing could not be more unfortunate. The Dodgers are in a tight divisional battle and have leaned heavily on their bullpen throughout the season, especially with the rotation having dealt with its own share of injuries. Walker Buehler remains out, and the inconsistency of younger starters has meant more innings for relievers like Scott. Losing him now not only stretches an already thin bullpen, but also forces Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior to rethink their entire late-game strategy.
Scott’s injury also reignites discussion about the workload placed on relievers in high-leverage roles. In his last 10 appearances, he was called on in critical moments, often with runners on base or against the heart of opposing lineups. While that’s the role he signed up for, it takes a toll—especially when appearances come in quick succession. For a player who throws with maximum effort and relies on spin rate and velocity, any drop in arm health is deeply concerning.
Meanwhile, the win itself did have its share of brilliance. Ohtani’s two-run blast in the third inning traveled 428 feet to right-center, a no-doubt shot that left Twins starter Bailey Ober shaking his head. It was Ohtani’s third homer in as many games and another example of why he remains a favorite in the NL MVP race. He later stole second and third base in the same inning, igniting the dugout and reminding everyone that his impact isn’t limited to the batter’s box.
Will Smith continued his quiet but effective campaign. He drove in three runs on the night, including a double down the left-field line in the sixth that gave the Dodgers a comfortable 5–2 lead. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp eye at the plate, Smith has quietly been among the league’s best offensive catchers all season, providing stability in the heart of the order.
Defensively, the Dodgers were sharp. James Outman made another highlight-reel play in center field, tracking down a deep fly ball in the eighth inning with a full-extension dive that robbed the Twins of extra bases. Outman has developed into more than just a platoon option—he’s becoming one of the more reliable gloves in the outfield rotation and continues to improve his pitch selection at the plate.
Despite the win, the questions loom large. What happens now if Scott is out for weeks—or worse, months? The Dodgers do have internal options, but none offer the same mix of velocity and deception that Scott does. Alex Vesia might be asked to step up, while Evan Phillips could take on more high-leverage situations than before. There’s also chatter about the front office accelerating trade talks to acquire bullpen reinforcements ahead of the deadline. Names like Tanner Rainey, Michael Kopech, or even a reunion with Kenley Jansen have been floated, though nothing appears imminent.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is known for his calculated approach, rarely making reactionary moves. But with Scott’s status uncertain, the pressure may mount to make an aggressive acquisition. Especially in a National League that features loaded offenses from Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee, reliable relief pitching could be the deciding factor in October.
Fans, too, felt the rollercoaster of emotions. On social media, many were thrilled by Ohtani’s performance and Smith’s consistency, but concern quickly shifted toward Scott’s health. “Great win, but losing Scott would be a huge blow,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Can’t enjoy anything fully this season without an injury scare.”
For now, all the Dodgers can do is wait. Imaging on Scott’s forearm will provide more clarity, but even the best-case scenario likely involves a stint on the injured list and a conservative approach to his rehab. The team has no incentive to rush him back, especially with the postseason in mind.
Still, nights like these are bittersweet. On one hand, the Dodgers showcased their firepower, depth, and determination. On the other, a single injury threatens to undermine the balance they’ve carefully constructed. Scott may not be the face of the team, but his importance is undeniable. His presence in the bullpen allowed others to remain in specialized roles, reducing fatigue and spreading responsibility. Without him, the ripple effect could be significant.
Baseball is a game of attrition as much as it is a test of skill. The season is long, unpredictable, and unforgiving. One day you’re celebrating a dramatic win; the next, you’re holding your breath over an MRI. For Tanner Scott and the Dodgers, this is now a waiting game—with stakes that go far beyond one night at Dodger Stadium.
And yet, there’s still hope. The team has battled adversity before. Ohtani’s leadership, Smith’s dependability, and Roberts’ steady hand offer optimism even amid uncertainty. But as the lights dimmed on a thrilling win, it wasn’t Ohtani’s moonshot or Smith’s heroics that lingered in the minds of fans—it was the image of Tanner Scott walking off the mound, clutching his forearm, and the uncomfortable truth that injuries can change everything in a heartbeat.
