Dodgers ignoring former Padres star as Edwin Díaz stumbles is rivalry perfection

San Diego Padres fans will take any opportunity they get to point and laugh at the Los Angeles Dodgers. Let's be honest, it doesn't happen much. But when it does, it feels that much better.

Right now, the Dodgers have a problem at closer. Edwin Díaz is faltering mightily in his first season with the two-time defending World Series champions. With an 11.57 ERA, you'd think that manager Dave Roberts would consider moving Díaz, especially considering they have a strong replacement option.

But, rather than Roberts turn to former Padres reliever Tanner Scott to be the Dodgers' next closer, he is sticking with his guns. Díaz is going to remain as Los Angeles' closer regardless of him giving up seven runs in his last 3.2 innings. If you're a Padres fan, all you can do is sit back and smile at the odd decision.

Tanner Scott should probably be the Dodgers' full-time closer, but Dave Roberts isn't willing to make the move

Scott, who has been a valiant setup man all season, has stepped in well as the part-time closer. He got the save in 16 of his 18 opportunities. He has a 30/2 K/BB rate pitching in the ninth inning this year, too. So why won't Roberts budge?

Some may say that Díaz's three-year, $60 million deal should cement him as the closer. But, let's not forget that Scott is making almost as much (four years, $72 million). And let's be honest, money is no object for the Dodgers — even among relief pitchers. But regardless of who you look at, they are both getting paid well-enough to pitch one inning, so why should Roberts have a tight hold on Díaz being the ninth inning guy? It's a head scratcher, and straight up uncharacteristic of the Dodgers, but Padres fans have no problem seeing their NL West rival run into some trouble. It doesn't happen often enough.

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