Tyler Glasnow was named the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day starter for their Seoul Series game against the San Diego Padres on March 20.
With that, the Dodgers also announced Yoshinobu Yamamoto is starting the second game at Gocheok Sky Dome. Some believed Yamamoto would get the nod for Opening Day, but manager Dave Roberts explained rest days factored into the Dodgers’ decision.
Whether it was going to be Glasnow or Yamamoto, the Dodgers are using a sixth different starting pitcher on Opening Day in as many seasons.
There will be some continuity between Opening Day and the Dodgers’ home opener, as Glasnow is expected to start the first game at Dodger Stadium as well, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Roberts said Glasnow and Yamamoto will most likely repeat as the 1-2 starters for that series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Following his trade from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Dodgers, Glasnow immediately signed a five-year, $136.5 million contract extension. Growing up in Southern California, Glasnow’s return and long-term outlook of pitching at Dodger Stadium is something he thought about in the past.
“It’s definitely on my mind,” Glasnow said following the trade. “When I was a kid and I’d go to games, I remember sitting in the stands and looking at the players in the dugout and just having overwhelming jealously. Like, ‘I have to go to school tomorrow and you guys get to play baseball.’
“So the fact that it’s come full circle, when I first get to start there, it definitely gives me butterflies. I’m extremely excited to make my first start at home as a Dodger.”
Displaying a high-powered arsenal, Glasnow has dazzled for several seasons with his ability to strike batters out at a high clip. The biggest question mark with has been health, but Glasnow and the Dodgers are optimistic moving forward.
Glasnow’s pedigree as an ace made him a desirable target for the Dodgers as they looked to improve their starting rotation.
What to expect from Tyler Glasnow
The ceiling for what Glasnow brings to the table is Cy Young Award stuff. Couple that with his exposure to the postseason, and the Dodgers checked a huge box for their rotation.
Pitching in front of Yamamoto is a fine duo, with both being capable of dominating lineups. Glasnow has been among the MLB’s best pitchers since 2019 in numerous categories.
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