The Los Angeles Dodgers made a strategic decision to provide their starting rotation with extra rest and then pushed Tyler Glasnow for some length in the series finale against the San Francisco Giants.
Glasnow earned the win thanks to a strong six-inning performance with seven strikeouts. The 30-year-old was cerebral at times, showing his dominant stuff can carve a lineup several times through despite baseball trends suggesting a starter be removed before seeing hitters for a third time in the game.
“I think when I’m right, I prefer going through the order a third time,” Glasnow said. “I think later in the game, as my pitch count gets up, I think the rhythm takes care of itself and I usually feel better the last 60 to 100 pitches.
“I just feel better. Every game is unique and different, and I think tonight wasn’t necessarily that case, but I think for the most part in my career, once you find a rhythm, you get out of your mind and you’re out there just pitching. So I enjoy it.”
A few scattered walks and base hits forced Glasnow to maneuver through some runners on base, but he was able to avoid allowing a big inning.
“I think it’s just a matter of competing,” he added. “Coming out of the quick step was a little better for me today. Just a little shorter arm action and not so out of time, so I think that was helpful when they got a guy on. A little rough at the end but overall it was alright.”
Through three starts for the Dodgers, Glasnow has an inflated walks per nine innings at 3.7, but his ability to strike hitters out and avoid barrels is allowing him to have success.
“Two wins is great and obviously I’m not feeling perfect. I wish I felt perfect, but at the same time our team is so good. The defense has been amazing, offense has been amazing,” Glasnow said.
“It’s been a nice thing to see early in the season how good this team really is. I think when you aren’t feeling perfect, this is the best team to be on because there’s so many guys on this team that are so amazing. It’s been awesome.”
Where Tyler Glasnow ranks after three starts with Dodgers
Glasnow’s early turns through the rotation have developed some extremely positive results. The justification for trading Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca and all the team control that came with them is beginning to show itself.
The immediate contract extension for Glasnow provided more as he’ll be at the front of the Dodgers rotation for several seasons.
Glasnow’s three starts have yielded ace-like results, and a feel that he can overpower an opposing offense on any given night. He ranks 10th among big league starters who’ve pitched at least 10 innings, with a 3.15 expected ERA.
Glasnow will have to improve his walk rate, but that should regulate in the coming weeks.
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