Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor hits a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The New York Mets’ Brandon Nimmo is forced out at second base as Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim throws to first to complete a double play during the first inning on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts during his at bat in the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani strikes out during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani sits in the dugout after he struck out during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy is forced out at second base as New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor throws to first to complete a double play during the second inning on Monday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani claps in the dugout during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani gets ready to bat during the third inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches the flight of his solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani gestures as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is congratulated as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrate in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrate in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrate in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim reacts after a strike during the seventh inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets relief pitcher Ryne Stanek throws to the plate during the eighth inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
A fan of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches during the 10th inning of the Dodgers’ game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a sacrifice fly to score a run during the ninth inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Dodgers’ Tommy Edman, right, steals second base before New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor can apply a tag during the ninth inning on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor singles to drive in a run during the 10th inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The New York Mets’ Starling Marte scores on a single by Francisco Lindor during the 10th inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers shortstop Hyeseong Kim, left, takes a late throw from home as the New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor steals second base during the 10th inning on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The New York Mets’ Juan Soto grounds out during the 10th inning of a game against the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman reacts as he gets out of the way of an inside pitch during the 10th inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets relief pitcher Jose Butto, front, celebrates as he earns a save after a ground out by the Dodgers’ Tommy Edman for the final out of the 10th inning on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets relief pitcher Jose Butto, left, is congratulated by catcher Luis Torrens after the final out of their 4-3, 10-inning victory over the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets outfielders Brandon Nimmo, left, Tyrone Taylor, center, and Juan Soto celebrate after their 4-3, 10-inning victory over the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets infielders celebrate after the final out of their 4-3, 10-inning victory over the Dodgers on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers infielder/outfielder Hyeseong Kim warms up before a game against the New York Mets on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman signs autographs for fans before a game against the New York Mets on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy warms up before a game against the New York Mets on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas looks on during batting practice before a game against the New York Mets on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor warms up before a game against the Dodgers on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Dodgers infielder/outfielder Hyeseong Kim warms up before a game against the New York Mets on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
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Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on Monday night, June 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have five potential closers on the injured list. The healthy one is their bigger problem.
The Dodgers rallied to tie the score against New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz in the bottom of the ninth inning only to lose it in 10 innings when their own closer, Tanner Scott, gave up two runs and the Dodgers lost, 4-3, on Monday night.
“A loss is a loss, but when you feel that you’ve done enough to win a game late and then to not come away with it, it stings a little bit more,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Scott has been the stinger far more often lately than the dominant reliever he came advertised to be. It was his second loss (to go with three blown saves) over his past seven appearances, a stretch during which he has given up 12 runs in six innings.
“Missed locations especially down in the zone against hitters that I’m supposed to be in different spots. I’m just not hitting my locations and it’s costing us,” Scott said.
“It’s definitely probably mechanics. It’s happened too much. It’s frustrating especially when we battle back and it didn’t go my way.”
A two-pitch pitcher who relies exclusively on his fastball and slider, Scott’s fastball has been unreliable. He left a 1-and-1 fastball over the plate to Francisco Alvarez to start the 10th and Alvarez doubled over Teoscar Hernandez’s head in right field. Francisco Lindor followed with an RBI single off a 2-and-0 fastball from Scott.
“It’s getting hit a lot. It sucks right now,” Scott said. “Last year, I relied on it a lot. This year, it’s getting hit and I’m missing locations.
“If it’s in the right spot, it usually doesn’t get hit. If I miss location, it usually gets hit.”
Asked what he needs to do to turn things around, Scott said, “Keep working. Keep looking at everything. … And figure it out until it stops.”
Roberts has other alternatives – avoid sending Scott out in the high-leverage situations he was signed to handle. But his other options are inexperienced and limited. Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates all have closing experience, Brusdar Graterol and Michael Kopech less so – but all are on the injured list with Phillips out for the season.
Asked directly if he had an option other than Scott to close out games, Roberts said a lot of things before saying the Dodgers currently have “no dedicated closer” – a statement more about the team’s approach to the role than it is about any lack of faith in Scott.
“We’re still trying to win games, and obviously you have to look at who’s available and who can handle leverage and things like that,” Roberts said. “To be quite honest, we’re relying a lot on two rookies, and so you got to give credit to Jack and Ben. But it’s the other guys’ responsibilities as well, who’ve been through the trials and had a lot more experience than those two players. I just don’t feel it’s right to put everything on those two young players, I don’t.”
Despite their inexperience, Dreyer (who retired all six batters he faced Monday) and Casparius have been the Dodgers’ two most reliable relievers.
“Right now, it’s kind of how the game plays out,” Roberts said. “You have to kind of pick matchups, and who’s throwing the baseball well, and who you believe in, who can kind of manage that situation. There’s not one particular closer right now. I think I’ve shown that, using different guys in leverage and finishing games and things like that.”
Dodgers starter Dustin May did his job, holding the Mets to two runs over six innings. But the Dodgers’ offense was late to get started for the second game in a row.
After bombing the New York Yankees for 18 runs on Saturday, the Dodgers have been stymied by Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn, the latter holding them to three hits in five scoreless innings for the Mets on Monday night in his 2025 debut.
“The common thread is you got guys that don’t throw the ball hard, that pitch backward, that use a breaking ball, changeup, cutter,” Roberts said. “Guys are timed up for velocity. No excuse. You still got to find a way to hit those guys. And we had some bad at-bats tonight. There were some bad strikeouts.”
It wasn’t until the seventh inning that the Dodgers could score.
Shohei Ohtani struck out twice against Blackburn, chasing curveballs out of the strike zone each time, and grounded out softly with two runners on in the fifth inning.
But the first pitch he saw from someone else (Mets reliever Max Kranick in the seventh inning), Ohtani crushed – 113.9 mph off the bat and 424 feet into the night for his 23rd home run of the season (tied for the MLB lead).
Two innings later, the Dodgers were still trailing 2-1 as Diaz came in to close it out for the Mets.
Tommy Edman led off the ninth with a single off Diaz then stole second base to get into scoring position. Rookie catcher Dalton Rushing struck out, but Hyeseong Kim hit a hard ground ball up the middle. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor made a spectacular diving stop but couldn’t throw out the speedy Kim, putting runners at the corners for Ohtani, who tied the score with a sacrifice fly, coming just a couple feet short in the left-field corner of his second home run of the night.
That sent the game into the 10th, where Scott promptly gave up an RBI double and an RBI single. Over his past seven appearances, batters are hitting .419 (13 for 31) against him.
“I just think it’s just sort of just missing in the big part of the plate or the wrong part of the plate, given a particular hitter,” Roberts said. “My eyes, and talking to our pitching guys, the stuff’s good. It’s just the command just isn’t where it needs to be right now.”
The Mets took that 4-2 lead into the bottom of the 10th and Andy Pages cut into it with an RBI single. With two runners on, the Dodgers brought Will Smith off the bench to pinch-hit. The best hitter in the majors this season with runners in scoring position (22 for 47), Smith flew out to center field.
That put the tying run on third base and lined Edman up to follow Ohtani’s script and play hero on his bobblehead night. He couldn’t, grounding out to end the game.
