The Dodgers signed Tanner Scott last winter.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have not used closer Tanner Scott this postseason, no longer trusting him to pitch in crucial situations, removed him from their postseason roster Thursday before Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Dodgers received permission from MLB to take him off their roster and replace him with left-handed reliever Justin Wrobleski.

Scott, who received a four-year, $72 million free agent contract, is now ineligible to pitch for the Dodgers until the World Series, if the Dodgers advance.

Scott, who had warmed only briefly in their NL wild card series against the Cincinnati Reds, underwent an “abscess incision" in his lower body, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts calling it a minor procedure.

“I don't know a whole lot about it, to be quite honest with you," Roberts said. “But I do know that he's recovering well. And it took place [Wednesday] night. That's kind of where we're at."

Scott complained of discomfort on Tuesday night at the Dodgers’ workout at Dodger Stadium, and was not at the ballpark at any time Wednesday.

“I think there was kind of signs in the evening of the workout," Roberts said. “I think that's where it first kind of came to light for us ….I don't think we knew exactly the extent of it. I didn't even see him. I think that was more doctor-driven."

If the Dodgers were aware that Scott would need to undergo a medical procedure, they would have made a formal request to MLB to remove him from the roster before Game 3. It would have avoided needing three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw to pitch two innings Wednesday, in which he gave up six hits and five runs (four earned).

Scott, who blew eight saves during the season and lost his job this postseason to rookie Roki Sasaki, could still return to the roster if the Dodgers reach the World Series, Roberts insisted. Yet, considering Scott’s struggles and now having a layoff, he likely has thrown his last pitch of 2025.

Scott’s absence doesn’t change Roberts’ faith in his bullpen, which has turned to starters Emmet Sheehan and Sasaki to pitch in relief in key situations. The Dodgers' traditional relievers have gotten only 12 outs in the first three games against the Phillies.

“Very confident in the bullpen," Roberts said. “I feel that everyone in the pen is available. I think, confident in the veterans that we have to set the tone, very confident that we're prepared for [Thursday]. You'll see our best.’’

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tanner Scott removed from Dodgers' postseason roster. What we know.

Reporting by Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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