In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, few roles are as pressure-packed as that of a closer. These pitchers are tasked with securing the final outs of a game, often with narrow leads and the weight of their team’s hopes on their shoulders. For Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott, this past week encapsulated the emotional highs and lows that define the job—a blown save followed by a redemptive performance that reminded fans why resilience is a closer’s greatest asset.
The Low: A Heartbreaking Blow-Up
On Tuesday, Tanner Scott took the mound in a critical late-game situation against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Marlins held a slim lead, and Scott, known for his high-velocity fastball and wipeout slider, seemed poised to lock down the save. But baseball is a game of inches and unpredictability.
Scott struggled with command, walking two batters and leaving a slider over the plate to Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a hitter known for punishing mistakes. Gurriel, however, swung through a 97-mph fastball for a clutch strikeout, briefly keeping hope alive. But the reprieve was short-lived. Scott’s control issues resurfaced, and the Diamondbacks capitalized with a game-tying hit, handing Scott his third blown save of the season. The loss was a gut punch for the Marlins, who have leaned heavily on Scott’s arm in tight games.
For closers, blown saves are inevitable but agonizing. They test mental fortitude, and for Scott—a pitcher with a 3.12 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 35 innings this year—the outing was a rare misstep in an otherwise solid season.
The Redemption: Bouncing Back with Grit
Baseball rarely allows time for self-pity. Just days after Tuesday’s collapse, Scott was back on the mound, this time facing the San Diego Padres. The Marlins, clinging to a one-run lead in the ninth inning, needed their closer to reset.
Scott delivered. Mixing his signature fastball with a sharper slider, he retired the side in order, striking out two batters and sealing a 4-3 victory. The outing was a masterclass in composure, showcasing Scott’s ability to flush failure and focus on the next challenge. His season stats—15 saves in 18 opportunities—highlight his reliability, even amid occasional turbulence.
The Bigger Picture: Why Closers Matter
Scott’s week underscores the duality of a closer’s role. One night, they’re the villain; the next, the hero. For the Marlins, his resurgence is vital. The team, hovering near .500 in a competitive NL East, needs every win to stay in playoff contention. Scott’s ability to rebound isn’t just about personal stats—it’s about stabilizing a bullpen that lacks depth and experience.
His strikeout of Gurriel Jr., even in a blown save, also revealed his upside. When his slider bites and his fastball hums, he’s nearly unhittable. The key is consistency—minimizing walks (he’s issued 18 free passes this year) and trusting his stuff in high-leverage moments.
Looking Ahead
At 29, Tanner Scott is in the prime of his career, and the Marlins will continue relying on him to anchor their late-game strategy. While blown saves sting, they’re also learning opportunities. Scott’s rebound against the Padres suggests he’s internalizing those lessons.
For fans, his journey is a reminder that baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. Closers, like all players, endure slumps. What separates the great ones is their ability to turn the page—and Tanner Scott’s week proved he’s up to the task.
As the Marlins push toward the postseason, Scott’s arm—and his mindset—will remain pivotal. One thing’s certain: In the unpredictable world of closing, resilience is the ultimate currency. And Tanner Scott just made a hefty deposit.
