Tanner Scott takes second loss in two days

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.

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.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all if Díaz has been pitching through a physical issue since he’s been lit up for a staggering 11 runs over 7 2/3 innings since returning from the injured list back on July 29. He was torched for three runs in mop-up duty, while also dealing with diminished velocity, against the Rockies on Monday night. Woo adds that Díaz is believed to be dealing with an upper-body issue that is unrelated to his surgically repaired elbow. Tanner Scott is the logical candidate to reclaim the closer role in Los Angeles. At this point, it’s challenging for fantasy managers to trust Díaz, even if he makes it back before the seasons concludes.

The Rockies managed four hits off Díaz’s fastball, which has been a problem since his return. He still has mechanical work to do to regain some movement, but the Dodgers can afford to be fairly patient with him. It would, however, certainly be best if he doesn’t blow another save right away. Given that he threw 23 pitches tonight, he might be down on Tuesday, perhaps giving Tanner Scott a chance to close.

Díaz, who came in with a two-run lead to start the ninth, gave up four straight singles in between a pair of strikeouts. The last hit tied the game, and then Alex Vesia gave up a go-ahead single after taking over. The first two hits against Díaz came on bad fastballs near the heart of the plate, but the third and the fourth were more a case of good hitting by the Brewers. Four singles doesn’t really mean much in the grand scheme of things — it’s better than going down because of walks and homers — but the latest poor showing might get Díaz bumped from the closer’s role for a spell. It’s the fourth time in five appearances this month that he’s been scored upon. Tanner Scott figures to be the main beneficiary if Díaz is thrust into lower leverage situations for now.

Díaz’s velocity was down a bit from Wednesday, but he allowed only a single and struck out two of the four batters he faced. He’ll definitely be down Friday after this, and Tanner Scott, who set him up for a second straight game, likely will be, too. Perhaps that will result in a save chance for Evan Phillips.