Okay, let’s talk about Tanner Scott.
If you’re watching baseball and see the seventh or eighth inning, you’re probably looking at him.
He’s not a starter.
He’s not the closer, at least not always, but he’s definitely the fireman. Oddly enough,
You know the type.
The guy the manager calls when the game is on the line and they need an out.
Scott has been that guy for a while now, and his journey from the Rays’ farm system to the Texas Rangers is honestly kind of wild.
Who Exactly Is Tanner Scott?
Most people know him as a hard-throwing reliever. And this is where things get interesting.
But looking at his profile, you realize he’s been around the block. And this is where things get interesting.
He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2012.
You know, the organization that just loves to churn out relievers.
He spent time in the minors there, then broke into the big leagues with them in 2018.
From what I’ve seen on the mound, his stuff is pretty nasty.
He throws a fastball that tops out around 97 or 98 miles per hour.
But it’s not just the speed.
It’s the ride.
It’s got that late life where it seems to get faster as it gets to the plate.
And he pairs that with a slider that’s got some bite to it.
It’s a really good combination for a reliever.
The Trade Deadline Drama
Here’s where it gets interesting. Oddly enough,
The San Diego Padres had him for a bit, right? They were trying to make a run, and Scott was a big piece of their bullpen puzzle.
But then the Texas Rangers came calling.
If you followed the trade deadline, you know this one stung for Padres fans.
So, how did he get to Texas? Well, the Rangers needed bullpen help.
Badly.
They were looking for reliable arms to protect their lead in the late innings.
They swung a deal with the Twins for Scott at the deadline.
It wasn’t just a rental, either.
They signed him to an extension later on.
That tells you how much they valued his specific skill set.
He’s the kind of pitcher who can lock down a 2-run lead in the ninth inning without panicking.
Breaking Down His Stats (2023 Season)
Looking at the numbers, he’s been incredibly consistent.
His ERA usually hovers around the 3.00 range when things are going right.
But you gotta look at his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) too.
That number usually gives you a better idea of how good a pitcher is actually pitching, independent of defense.
- fastball velocity: 96-98 mph
- slider usage: High percentage for a ground-ball pitcher
- strikeout rate: Consistently above the league average
Most people overlook the fact that he actually throws a changeup, too.
It’s not his primary pitch, but it’s there.
It helps keep batters honest so they don’t just sit on the fastball.
It’s a subtle thing, but good relievers have subtle things.
Now think about that for a second.
Why He’s a Nightmare for Batters
It’s the late innings. Now think about that for a second.
That’s where he shines.
When you have a lead in the bottom of the ninth, you want the best player on the field.
Scott is usually that guy.
He has a mentality that is surprisingly calm for someone throwing heat that hard.
When he’s on his game, he gets ground balls.
A lot of them. Now think about that for a second.
That’s huge for relievers because ground balls usually turn into double plays.
It’s efficient.
It gets outs fast.
And fast outs are the only thing that matters when the score is 3-2 in the ninth.
Fantasy Baseball Perspective
If you play fantasy baseball, you probably already have him. Oddly enough,
But if you don’t, you should think about him. Here’s the interesting part.
Relievers are volatile.
One bad pitch and your ERA spikes.
But Scott is one of the more stable options out there.
He’s a high-upside, low-risk play for the back end of your bullpen.
Just keep an eye on the team’s overall health and depth chart.
How to Watch Him Pitch Live
Since he’s with the Rangers now, you’re probably wondering where to catch the action. Here’s the interesting part.
The games are on various regional sports networks, but if you’re out of the market, you’ll want a good streaming service.
Honestly, it’s one of those things where you have to pick the package that fits your local team best. But there’s a catch.
It can get a bit confusing with all the blackout rules, but it’s worth it to see a fireman like Scott in action.
Conclusion
Tanner Scott is more than just a name on a roster.
He’s the guy you want facing the best hitter on the opposing team with the bases loaded.
He brings a swagger to the bullpen that’s contagious.
The Rangers got a steal when they acquired him, and it looks like they’re going to keep him around for a while.
It’s always cool to watch a player find the right home and really thrive in a new environment. Here’s the interesting part.
He’s definitely a guy to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com
