Edwin Díaz finishes off four-run lead for Dodgers

Instead of holding him back for a save situation, the Dodgers used Scott against the heart of the order in the eighth tonight. Unfortunately, he went on give up a run on an 85-mph groundball double pulled down the third base line, a runner-advancing groundout and then a sac fly. It was just his third blown save of the year, and it shouldn’t have any effect on his standing in the Dodgers pen.

Scott bounced back from losses Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves with an easy ninth tonight. Since it was his third appearance in four days, he might get Saturday off, potentially opening up a save chance for Edgardo Henriquez.

Scott gave up one run after entering a tie game in the eighth last night. Tonight, he entered a tie game in the ninth and retired the first two batters he faced before giving up a double to Lane Thomas. Scott then intentionally walked Austin Riley to bring up the pitcher’s spot in the lineup, as the Braves had lost the DH after pinch-running for Sean Murphy in the eighth. The Braves turned to .066-hitting Ha-Seong Kim as a pinch-hitter, and Kim ended the game with a knock. In spite of the two losses, Scott still ought to be the Dodgers’ closer. He should get Thursday off, which might result in a save chance for Alex Vesia or Edgardo Henriquez.

After coming into a 3-3 game, Scott gave up a double to Matt Olson and later a soft line-drive single to Ozzie Albies that plated the go-ahead run. It’s his first loss since June 3. Even if he wasn’t held back in the hopes of a ninth-inning lead materializing tonight, he’s still pretty clearly the Dodgers’ first choice to close right now.

Scott was summoned in the top of the ninth to close out the game against the Pirates with a one-run lead. He worked a clean inning, striking out one to secure the win and convert his 19th save of the season to go with a strong 2.24 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and a 64/11 K/BB ratio across 52 1/3 innings.

Díaz is eligible to return on Sept. 2 and should be ready then or shortly thereafter. Manager Dave Roberts did say he’d be used in lower leverage spots initially. Tanner Scott will likely keep closing until Díaz can string together a few strong innings.

The Dodgers gave Scott two runs to work with, but he didn’t need the margin for error, retiring the side on just eight pitches. Since the All-Star break, he’s allowed just two runs in 12 2/3 innings while collecting five saves and six holds.

The fact that Díaz is dealing with something more muscular in nature as opposed to nerve-related is an encouraging development. The 32-year-old closer landed back on the injured list with neck inflammation earlier this week. He’ll be shut down from throwing for a couple days before the club determines his next steps. He’s likely facing a multi-week absence. It’ll be Tanner Scott handling the closing duties for Los Angeles moving forward.

Scott entered the game with two outs and two runners on in the eighth inning with a two-run lead. He retired the final batter to preserve the lead and returned for the ninth, giving up one run on two hits before holding on to secure the win and his 17th save of the season. With Edwin Díaz(neck) on the injured list, expect Scott to handle the bulk of ninth-inning duties.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Díaz is headed back to Los Angeles to undergo further evaluation that will determine his next steps. The 32-year-old former elite closer has been an unmitigated disaster during the first year of a three-year, $69 million contract, recording an 11.85 ERA across 13 2/3 innings. He heads back to the shelf after being clobbered for 11 runs over 7 2/3 innings since returning from the injured list back on July 29. The lone encouraging takeaway is that he’s not dealing with any issues related to his surgically repaired elbow. Tanner Scott seems like the most logical candidate to handle the closing duties for the Dodgers over the final six weeks of the season.