Tyler Glasnow, the towering 6-foot-8 right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to make his much-anticipated return after a minor back injury. This comes as a significant boost for a team that has been grappling with an injury-ravaged rotation and a major league-worst 8.22 ERA in the 15 games before the All-Star break. This article delves into the details of Glasnow’s return, his injury history, and the strategies the Dodgers might employ to keep him healthy and effective for the remainder of the season and into the postseason.
Glasnow’s Return and Recent Performance
Simulated Game and Upcoming Start
Tyler Glasnow threw a three-inning, 57-pitch simulated game at Dodger Stadium and is expected to return for the game against the San Francisco Giants. His return is crucial for the Dodgers, who have struggled with their pitching rotation due to numerous injuries.
Impact on Dodgers’ Rotation
The Dodgers’ rotation has been hit hard by injuries, resulting in a 15-game stretch with a major league-worst ERA of 8.22. Glasnow’s return is expected to provide much-needed stability and performance to the pitching lineup. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized managing Glasnow like any other pitcher, without predetermined limits on innings or pitch counts, to ensure flexibility and effectiveness on the mound.
Managing Glasnow’s Health
Injury History
Glasnow’s career has been marked by a series of injuries, including elbow and forearm issues that led to Tommy John surgery in 2021. Even last season, despite setting career highs in starts (21), innings (120), and strikeouts (162), he missed two months due to an oblique injury.
Current Season Performance
Before his recent injury, Glasnow had an impressive start to the season with the Dodgers. He signed a five-year, $136.5 million extension with the team after being acquired in December. In his first 14 starts, he posted an 8-5 record with a 3.47 ERA and 143 strikeouts over 109 innings, just 11 innings shy of his career high.
Workload Management
Roberts mentioned that the 18-day break between starts would help ease Glasnow’s workload, which is beneficial given his injury history. The team plans to keep him in the rotation for the rest of the season, with extra rest between starts to prevent overuse and potential injury.
Strategic Considerations
Rest and Rotation
The Dodgers are considering various strategies to keep Glasnow healthy, including providing extra days of rest between starts. This approach aligns with the trend of managing pitchers’ workloads more carefully to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance during crucial parts of the season.
Psychological and Performance Factors
Roberts highlighted the importance of maintaining a pitcher’s mental and psychological readiness. Shutting down Glasnow for an extended period, such as three weeks in August, might not be fair or beneficial. Continuous play, even with managed rest, helps maintain his competitive edge and readiness.
Supporting Cast and Team Dynamics
Mookie Betts’ Recovery
Alongside Glasnow’s return, the Dodgers are also monitoring the recovery of Mookie Betts from a left hand fracture. Betts’ rehabilitation includes taking grounders and playing catch without squeezing his glove hand. Once his grip strength reaches 85%, he can begin swinging a bat. Betts’ performance is critical for the team’s success, and his return is eagerly awaited.
Infield Adjustments
Betts, who moved from second base to shortstop in early March, has been adjusting to the new, more demanding position. The team is considering various infield configurations upon his return, including possibly moving Betts back to second base to accommodate the superior-fielding Miguel Rojas at shortstop.
Conclusion
Tyler Glasnow’s return marks a significant moment for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they navigate an injury-riddled season. His performance and health management will be crucial in the team’s quest for postseason success. Alongside Glasnow, the team is also focused on the recovery and strategic positioning of key players like Mookie Betts. With careful management and strategic adjustments, the Dodgers aim to maximize their potential and compete at the highest level for the remainder of the season and beyond.
References
- Los Angeles Times – Tyler Glasnow’s simulated game and return details
- ESPN – Tyler Glasnow’s injury history and performance stats
- MLB.com – Dodgers’ rotation challenges and Glasnow’s impact
- The Athletic – Mookie Betts’ recovery and infield adjustments
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