Tyler Glasnow has been out since May 8 due to lower back spasms that surfaced two days prior during a start against the Houston Astros.
The Los Angeles Dodgers initially expected that he would only miss a short amount of time, but the right-hander encountered some trouble at multiple points in the rehab process and has needed to be shut down from throwing.
Several weeks have passed since his setback and Glasnow finally appears to be making some progress.
“Tyler is throwing. He’s not throwing bullpens, but he is throwing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA.
Roberts is optimistic Glasnow has gotten past whatever was plaguing him and that he can continue with his throwing program without further interruption.
“That’s the hope,” Roberts began. “I think with the spasms that kind of pop up, we don’t know. But I think we’re being very cautious right now. He’s throwing, so the progression has started. Certainly, where we’re at in July, you don’t want any other setbacks with where we’re at in the calendar.”
Glasnow has dealt with back issues throughout his career, which he previously blamed in part on his tall stature. After a similar injury last season, the one-time All-Star went as far as saying his back issues are unavoidable and that he tries to manage them to the best of his ability.
Glasnow was off to a strong start for the Dodgers prior to landing on the injured list, going 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA, 3.26 FIP, 0.83 WHIP, and 11.1 strikeouts per nine in 39.2 innings pitched across seven games.
With Glasnow and Blake Snell unavailable for the better part of the season, the Dodgers have been relying on a six-man rotation that includes depth pitchers Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan and Eric Lauer.
When could Tyler Glasnow return to Dodgers?
Glasnow is not eligible to return to the Dodgers until Monday, July 6. Because he has spent more time than anticipated on the IL, the 32-year-old will need to build his arm back up and then go on what should be a longer rehab assignment.
A best-case scenario could be Glasnow rejoining the Dodgers sometime in August. L.A. will continue to err on the side of caution with him as he is an important part of their postseason plans.
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