Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:03 pm GMT
ATLANTA — Tyler Glasnow’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has abruptly ended due to a sprained elbow, leaving the team grappling with further instability in its starting rotation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Saturday that Glasnow, who had warmed up for a simulated game, felt discomfort in his right elbow, preventing him from facing any hitters.
Image scans confirmed the extent of the injury, revealing that a return for Glasnow this season is “highly unlikely.” This news comes as the Dodgers prepare for the postseason, but the team has already faced a series of setbacks with injuries throughout the year.
Injury Details and Impact
Glasnow’s current injuries have been a recurring theme for both him and the Dodgers. The organization invested heavily in pitching this offseason, committing close to $500 million to bolster its rotation, which included acquiring Glasnow. They extended his contract by five years for $136.5 million before he even pitched for the team, despite his history of injuries.
The 31-year-old right-hander’s past issues in the elbow region were previously managed with Tommy John surgery in 2021. This year, Glasnow achieved a career high in several metrics, logging 22 starts and pitching 134 innings. He also earned a spot on the All-Star team, demonstrating his potential to lead the Dodgers’ rotation through the playoffs.
However, he experienced discomfort in August and was placed on the injured list on August 16 due to right elbow tendonitis. His season-ending injury marks a significant loss.
- Injury Timeline:
– August 16: Placed on injured list with elbow tendonitis.
– September 22: Felt discomfort during warm-up; imaging confirmed a sprained elbow.
– Season officially ended with the announcement of a prolonged recovery.
The Dodgers’ Pitching Challenges
This injury is just one of many setbacks for the Dodgers, who have seen:
- 12 different starting pitchers placed on the injured list this season.
- Seven pitchers currently rehabbing injuries.
The extent of these injuries is unprecedented and has raised concerns within the organization regarding their current pitching strategy. Roberts acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “Yeah, it’s a big blow. Looking at what he meant for our ball club, what he’s done for us, what we expected him to do, certainly there’s going to be a cost.”
While Glasnow’s absence will be felt, the focus now shifts to how the remaining pitchers handle the upcoming playoff series.
Other Pitchers and Future Outlook
The depletion of the pitching staff has forced the Dodgers to reconsider their rotation options as they prepare for October. Roberts confirmed that Jack Flaherty is expected to start against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday and likely pitch in the first game of the playoffs.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is recovering and aiming to take on a significant role in the postseason as well, potentially pitching in Game 2. However, the exact makeup of the rotation remains uncertain, with other key pitchers facing their own struggles:
- Gavin Stone: Expected to resume throwing next week in Miami.
- Clayton Kershaw: Is currently managing discomfort in his left big toe, but he continues to work on maintaining his arm strength.
Despite these challenges, Roberts expressed cautious optimism. “I’m still confident,” he remarked, emphasizing that the Dodgers have capable personnel prepared to step in. He stated, “I don’t think there’s one way to win a championship… we’re going to have the guys we have, and I feel confident in whoever we run out there.”
The team’s circumstances compel management to assess its approach to pitcher health and performance following the conclusion of the postseason.
Looking Ahead
As the postseason approaches, the Dodgers will have to adapt quickly to their evolving situation. The pressure to innovate in handling pitcher workloads is significant, given the number of injuries so far this season. The combination of Glasnow’s departure, Kershaw’s continued discomfort, and the uncertainty surrounding several other starters could necessitate a deep rethink about the team’s pitching strategy moving forward.
The Dodgers are taking a close look at how they pitch this season. They haven’t shared any details about what changes they might make yet. Right now, they need to rely on their team to show strength and determination as they work hard to win the championship. They know that every game is really important!