Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation with closer Tanner Scott and revealed why he was left off the ‘ roster for the World Series.
The removed Scott from the roster during the NLDS after he suffered an abscess incision in his lower body. Per MLB rules, Scott was also not eligible to return during the NLCS. This led to speculation that he would return during the World Series, but he was kept out of action again.
More news: ‘ Dave Roberts gives update on Alex Bashear ahead of Game 1 of the World Series
Roberts was asked whether the decision was based on medicine or performance.
“It’s more medical,” Roberts said. “The medical check didn’t clear him to increase the weight, and he threw a few times in the bullpen, but he wasn’t there yet. For us, we were betting on the potential injury compensation and the good news of how quickly this would happen, but unfortunately, I think ultimately it was just bad timing.”
Scott was named to the ‘ Wild Card Series roster, but did not play in either series. He signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the ahead of the 2025 season, but hasn’t made much of an impact since joining.
The left-handed pitcher posted a 4.74 ERA in the 2025 season, his worst ERA since 2021 with the Baltimore Orioles. He missed 10 of 33 save opportunities this season, more than he did in 2023 and 2024 combined.
Andrew Friedman reveals why Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein are on World Series roster
The also removed Alex Bashear (personal reasons) and Ben Kasparius from the World Series roster. Those three will be replaced in the World Series by Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez, and Justin Robleski. Director of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman spoke about the decision before the game.
“For us, we felt like Edgardo and Will, just their pitch combinations, the way they played against hitters, (we) gave them more room for error in a lot of different ways. And we felt like they fit our group very well,” he said.
More news: announce lineup for Game 1 of the World Series vs. Blue Jays
The ‘ entire bullpen is on a week’s rest, and the hope is that the relievers can continue to be active in the final series of the season. Blake Snell will be the starting pitcher for Game 1 of the World Series, which begins Friday at 5 p.m. PT.
Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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