The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a hard-fought 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving their record to 59-42. The win, however, was overshadowed by a somber postgame press conference where manager Dave Roberts fought back tears while discussing a potential season-altering injury to closer Tanner Scott. The emotional moment underscored the mounting challenges facing the Dodgers as they navigate a season plagued by injuries and offensive struggles, yet strive to maintain their status as World Series contenders.
Tanner Scott, the Dodgers’ $72 million reliever, exited the game in the ninth inning after feeling a “sting” in his left forearm, a moment that left Roberts visibly shaken. Speaking to reporters, Roberts revealed that Scott is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday, with the team bracing for the likelihood of placing him on the injured list. “He’s emotionally not well,” Roberts said, his voice cracking, reflecting the weight of losing a key bullpen arm at a critical juncture. Posts on X echoed the concern, with some fans expressing hope that the injury is minor, while others feared it could exacerbate the Dodgers’ already depleted pitching staff. Scott’s potential absence adds to a growing list of injured pitchers, including Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Tony Gonsolin, pushing the team to rely on younger arms and explore trade options before the July 31 deadline.
Ahead of the Twins game, the Dodgers made a roster move, recalling right-handed pitcher Edgardo Henriquez from Triple-A Oklahoma City while designating veteran reliever Lou Trivino for assignment. Henriquez, a flamethrowing prospect yet to make his 2025 MLB debut, brings raw potential to a bullpen in desperate need of reinforcement. The decision to DFA Trivino, who was recently called up, signals the team’s urgency to address their pitching woes amid a grueling stretch of games against playoff-caliber opponents. Roberts hinted at further roster adjustments, noting that an injured pitcher’s locker in the clubhouse suggests another move is imminent.
The Dodgers’ injury troubles extend beyond the mound. Utility player Kiké Hernández, a fan favorite for his versatility and postseason heroics, received an unfortunate update from Roberts. Hernández, sidelined by left elbow inflammation since early June, remains in a “holding pattern” until he is pain-free, with no clear timeline for his return. His absence, alongside injuries to Teoscar Hernández (left groin strain) and Tommy Edman (right ankle), has left the Dodgers shorthanded, forcing reliance on depth players like Hyeseong Kim, who made a start against the Twins. The team’s resilience was tested further by Freddie Freeman’s recent scare, though he returned to the lineup on Monday, hitting cleanup after a wrist contusion sustained from a pitch the previous day.
Offensively, the Dodgers have struggled, with Mookie Betts candidly addressing his ongoing slump. Batting .189 in July with as many strikeouts as hits, Betts acknowledged the toll of playing shortstop, a position he transitioned to this season. “It’s not an excuse, but it’s a factor,” he said, per Dodgers Nation, reflecting on how defensive demands may be impacting his plate performance. Despite the struggles, Roberts kept Betts in the leadoff spot against the Twins, with Shohei Ohtani hitting second and pitching three innings, allowing one run while hitting his 35th home run of the season. Ohtani’s dual role remains a bright spot, though Roberts emphasized caution in ramping up his pitching workload post-elbow surgery, prioritizing his MVP-caliber bat.
Clayton Kershaw, an 11-time All-Star, also expressed frustration after a recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, where defensive errors by Tommy Edman and Andy Pages contributed to a 6-5 loss. “We’ve got to play better,” Kershaw said, cutting his interview short, per the Los Angeles Times. The Dodgers’ recent skid, including a sweep by the Brewers, has exposed vulnerabilities, with the team committing three errors in Sunday’s game and struggling against top-tier pitching. Roberts echoed Kershaw’s sentiment, noting, “When things are tough, you can’t sabotage yourself.”
Despite the challenges, Monday’s win offered a glimmer of hope. Will Smith’s two solo home runs and Andy Pages’ seventh-inning blast powered the offense, while Kirby Yates secured the save after Scott’s exit. Roki Sasaki, sidelined with a shoulder impingement, is progressing, with Roberts indicating a possible late-August return after reaching 90 mph in bullpen sessions. As the Dodgers prepare for upcoming series against Boston and Cincinnati, they face a pivotal moment. With trade rumors swirling—USA Today’s Bob Nightengale linked them to Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara—the team is focused on getting healthy and regaining form. Roberts’ emotional press conference was a stark reminder of the human toll of a grueling season, but with their star-studded roster and championship pedigree, the Dodgers remain determined to overcome adversity and chase another title.
