I can say that the injury woes of Tyler Glasnow have been a major concern for the team as they march toward the postseason. The Dodgers’ All-Star pitcher is frustrated to miss the playoffs, but he remains confident that he will not need surgery on his elbow.
An elbow injury ruled out Glasnow, who the Dodgers acquired in a trade last December, for the remainder of the 2024 regular season and postseason. On Aug. 16, the team placed the 31-year-old right-hander on the injured list due to elbow tendinitis, but despite their initial optimism, he has yet to begin throwing.
“It’s just a strain,” Glasnow said. “I’m hoping it will scar over.” He added that he does not plan to undergo surgery, a decision that should provide some relief for the Dodgers’ battered starting rotation.
Injuries Derailing Glasnow’s Career
Even before joining the Dodgers, injuries have consistently plagued Glasnow. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, causing him to miss nearly the entire 2022 season. Glasnow has also dealt with other issues, including shoulder and oblique problems.
Despite the latest setback, Glasnow managed to put together a career year in his first season with the Dodgers. He started a career-high 22 games and recorded a career-high 168 strikeouts, earning his first MLB All-Star selection.
However, just as the Dodgers were counting on Glasnow to be a key part of their postseason rotation, he was sidelined once again. As MLB insider Juan Toribo noted, “People need to understand that he is someone who has had elbow issues his whole career. He thought he was looking over all those issues, so he is disappointed.”
Dodgers’ Shorthanded Rotation
With Glasnow out, along with injuries to starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Gavin Stone, the Dodgers have had to rely on a makeshift rotation during the playoffs. They have used only three starters—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler—a testament to the team’s depth and the resilience of manager Dave Roberts.
“None of us liked the fact that Tyler Glasnow disappeared,” Toribo added, referring to Glasnow clearing out his locker at Truist Park after the announcement of his injury. The pitcher’s frustration is understandable, as he had been looking forward to contributing to the Dodgers’ postseason push.
Addressing Mechanical Issues
Rather than undergoing surgery, Glasnow said he plans to take a closer look at changes he can make mechanically to try to reduce the strain on his elbow and prevent future injuries.
“I’m just trying to figure out a way to get my arm in a good position to try and relieve some of the tension in my elbow,” he explained. “I guess I’m just trying to figure all that out and implement it through the offseason and next season.”
Glasnow’s lengthy extension during his delivery is one area he believes adds a significant amount of stress to his arm and elbow. By addressing these mechanical issues, he hopes to find a solution that will allow him to stay healthy and contribute to the Dodgers’ success in the years to come.
Frustration and determination.
Despite the setback, Glasnow remains determined to bounce back and help the Dodgers win a World Series. “It’s extremely frustrating,” he said. “I wanted to come here to win a World Series and pitch in the postseason.”
The Dodgers, for their part, have expressed their confidence in Glasnow’s ability to recover and contribute in the future. As they prepare for the postseason without their All-Star pitcher, the team’s focus remains on navigating the treacherous playoff path and potentially bringing home the championship.
For Glasnow, the offseason will be a crucial period to address his mechanical issues and work toward a healthier and more successful 2025 campaign. With his confidence in avoiding surgery, the Dodgers and their fans can hope that the talented right-hander will be back on the mound, ready to help the team achieve its championship aspirations.
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