Ohtani's 30th HR, Lauer's Performance, Diaz Injury & Closer Change

This briefing is current as of 2026-08-19T13:23:40.000Z.

What Changed?

Shohei Ohtani hit his 30th home run of the season, marking his sixth consecutive season reaching this milestone. This two-run shot was a significant contribution to the Dodgers' 7-6 win over the Rockies.

Eric Lauer secured a win, allowing four runs on six hits with six strikeouts over five innings. He has been a key addition to the Dodgers' rotation since May 17th.

Edwin Diaz was placed on the injured list (IL) due to neck inflammation. Following this, Tanner Scott was elevated to the closer role and successfully recorded his 17th save of the season.

Other notable offensive performances included Freddie Freeman with two hits and two RBIs, Teoscar Hernandez with a triple and a double, and Tommy Edman with two doubles. The Dodgers' offense, which scored 10 runs in their previous four-game series, has now scored 18 runs on 24 hits with four homers (three by Ohtani) in the first two games against Colorado.

Context and Implications

Ohtani's Consistent Power

Ohtani's 30th home run, a 448-foot blast, demonstrates his continued elite power production. Reaching 30 homers for the sixth straight season places him in rarefied air among fantasy sluggers. His consistent output makes him a cornerstone for any fantasy lineup, offering high-end production in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored. His current performance against Colorado, with three homers in two games, indicates a hot streak. Source

Lauer's Surprising Value

Eric Lauer's performance against the Rockies, while allowing four runs, still resulted in a win. More importantly, the source highlights his overall strong performance with the Dodgers, going 6-1 with a 3.48 ERA in his first 11 starts since May 17th. This 3.48 ERA is significantly better than a typical back-end starter and offers unexpected value for fantasy managers looking for reliable innings and win potential, especially from a left-hander who joined the team mid-season.

Dodgers' Closer Role Shift

Edwin Diaz's neck inflammation creates an immediate and high-impact vacancy in the Dodgers' closer role. Tanner Scott, who earned his 17th save, is explicitly named as the one elevated to this role. This is a crucial piece of information for fantasy managers, as closers are a premium commodity, especially those on high-win-rate teams like the Dodgers. Scott's 17 saves before officially being named the closer suggest he was already in the high-leverage mix, but the explicit declaration solidifies his role and potential for save opportunities.

Decisions for This Week

Ohtani: Keep Starting

Ohtani's performance solidifies his weekly must-start status. His power is undeniable, and he is a consistent source of production. There is no reason to consider benching or trading him unless you receive an overwhelming package.

Lauer: Add or Stream Aggressively

Eric Lauer's consistent performance since joining the Dodgers, highlighted by his 3.48 ERA over 11 starts, makes him an attractive option. If available, he should be a high-priority add for teams needing pitching help. For those in shallower leagues, he is a strong streaming candidate, particularly against favorable matchups. Given his 6-1 record, he offers excellent win potential on a strong Dodgers team.

Scott: High-Priority Waiver Claim

Tanner Scott's elevation to the Dodgers' closer role makes him the highest-priority waiver wire addition for this week. Closers on contending teams are extremely valuable for accumulating saves, a category that is often difficult to fill. His 17 saves prior to this official designation indicate he is already comfortable in high-leverage situations. Act quickly, as he will likely be a top claim.

Risks / What to Watch Next

For Tanner Scott, monitor his performance in the closer role, especially his command and ability to convert save opportunities. Closers can be volatile, but the explicit naming of his role is a strong indicator of intent from the Dodgers. For Edwin Diaz, track the recovery timeline for his neck inflammation; while Scott is the closer now, Diaz's return could impact the role later in the season. For Eric Lauer, observe if he maintains his strong ERA and win rate, especially as the season progresses and opponents adjust. His next start against the Rockies' struggling offense presents a good opportunity to continue his positive trend.