A Chance Encounter in Seattle
Late June 2019 was a pivotal moment in the careers of two pitchers, Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips. As Scott disembarked a plane in Seattle, Phillips was about to board, and the two found themselves in a peculiar situation. Both were part of the Baltimore Orioles, a team known for its constant roster changes. Scott, a hard-throwing left-hander, was being called up to join the team for a road series against the Mariners, while Phillips, a right-handed reliever, was being sent down to the minors. This revolving door of players was a common frustration for both, who were trying to establish themselves in the major leagues. Scott vividly remembers the moment, recalling, “I remember seeing him and I was like, ‘Ugh.’” Despite the bittersweet encounter, the two exchanged a high-five and words of encouragement, a testament to their friendship and shared struggles.
The Struggles in Baltimore
Scott and Phillips’ careers in Baltimore were marked by inconsistency and frequent roster shuffles. Scott, originally a sixth-round pick in 2014 out of Howard College in West Texas, had always caught the eye of scouts with his upper-90s fastball and sharp slider. However, his command issues were a significant hurdle. During his first five seasons with the Orioles from 2017 to 2021, he struck out 208 batters in 156 innings but also walked 96, finding the strike zone only 44% of the time. Phillips, similarly, was trying to find his footing in the major leagues, with his potential often overshadowed by inconsistent performance. The two were often victims of the Orioles’ focus on rebuilding, which made their journey even more challenging. Scott reflected, “It was not a fun [situation], but you’ve got to appreciate the journey you’ve been on.”
Turning the Corner in Miami
Scott’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Miami Marlins in the offseason following the 2021 season. Under the guidance of veteran pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr., Scott began to refine his command and gain confidence in attacking the strike zone. In June 2022, he started receiving opportunities as the Marlins’ closer, amassing 20 saves that season. He continued his impressive performance in 2023, recording 12 more saves and posting a career-best 2.31 ERA during the Marlins’ surprise playoff run. This newfound success wasn’t just a matter of better command; Scott also unlocked the full potential of his arsenal, becoming a dominant force out of the bullpen. His performance earned him his first career All-Star selection, a moment that solidified his status as one of the best relievers in baseball.
The Move to San Diego
Scott’s standout performance in Miami did not go unnoticed. By the 2023 trade deadline, he had become a coveted asset, and the Dodgers were among the teams vying for his services. However, the San Diego Padres managed to secure Scott in a blockbuster deal, which helped them make the playoffs and challenge the Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Scott’s impact was immediate, as he pitched three scoreless innings in the NLDS and memorably struck out Shohei Ohtani all four times he faced him. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described Scott as an "assassin" on the mound, a fitting analogy for his quiet, bearded demeanor and his ability to close games with precision and power.
The Dodgers’ Pursuit
This offseason, Scott became a free agent, and the Dodgers wasted no time in showing interest. According to general manager Brandon Gomes, the Dodgers had been watching Scott for years and had tried to acquire him multiple times, coming "pretty close" to a deal with the Marlins at the trade deadline. When Scott hit the free agent market, the Dodgers were the first team to reach out, and they eventually signed him to a four-year, $72 million contract. For Scott, the move to Los Angeles was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Having tasted the postseason the past two Octobers, he was eager to join the defending World Series champions. “I mean, you look at the lineup, you look at the pitching staff, it’s gonna be fun,” Scott said, expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge.
Embracing the Journey
In the Dodgers’ clubhouse, Scott and Phillips can’t help but reflect on their shared journey from the revolving door in Baltimore to their current roles as key relievers on a juggernaut roster. Both pitchers have undergone significant personal and professional growth, and their reunion is a testament to their resilience and determination. While Scott is expected to handle the bulk of save opportunities, the Dodgers have a closer-by-committee approach, with Phillips, Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and others also in the running. Scott is happy to pitch whenever his name is called, a mindset shaped by the tough times he endured in Baltimore. “It was tough, but you gotta enjoy the process,” he said, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the journey. As they prepare for the new season, Scott and Phillips bring not only their talent but also a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for the opportunities they have earned.
