The Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on another postseason berth and likely National League West title, but their October sprint is going to come without Tyler Glasnow being available.
After overcoming a delay in his recovery from right elbow tendinitis, Glasnow suffered a setback while warming up to pitch in a simulated game last weekend. There still was initial optimism but additional scans revealed Glasnow suffered a right elbow sprain.
Glasnow and the Dodgers have differed in recent weeks on diagnosis, but thankfully, there is not any new damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, per Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
Roberts didn’t specify exactly the ligament that has been affected for Glasnow, but did add that his surgically repaired UCL is intact, some good news given the circumstances.
The initial timeline was Glasnow would miss just 15 days when placed on the injured list on Aug. 16, but the situation seemingly only worsened. While the Dodgers are still in the midst of their road trip, the veteran right-hander was allowed to leave the team.
Glasnow is expected to rejoin the Dodgers when their next homestand begins.
On the season, Glasnow went 9-4 with a 3.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 168 strikeouts in his first year with the Dodgers. He is under contract through the 2027 season after signing a long-term extension as part of the trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
How can Dodgers absorb the loss of Tyler Glasnow?
The Dodgers can supplement their pitching staff with a number of options, including the return of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the rise of Walker Buehler to where he can be a competitive arm.
Jack Flaherty has had his moments since joining the team, and can be a formidable force in a postseason series. The Dodgers have to see where Gavin Stone is with his health, because he’s shown that he can pitch in big-game environments as well.
Clayton Kershaw could be another candidate to contribute in October but he is working to overcome a bone spur in his left big toe.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!