The Los Angeles Dodgers received a jolt of concern when ace right-hander Tyler Glasnow was moved to the 60-day injured list on May 31, a decision that significantly escalated the alarm surrounding his health. Initially shelved with shoulder discomfort following an April 27 start against the Pirates, Glasnow’s setback has since grown more complicated, with additional back soreness stalling his recovery.
Despite the extended timeline, Glasnow has publicly struck an optimistic tone. Speaking with 570 L.A. Sports, the 31-year-old downplayed reports of “general body soreness” mentioned by manager Dave Roberts. He noted that his back is “feeling fine” and revealed plans for a bullpen session over the weekend—a sign he hopes to rejoin the rotation sooner rather than later.
Tyler Glasnow’s Injury Status Clouds Los Angeles Dodgers’ Summer Outlook
Yet, recent updates from Roberts suggest a more sobering reality. Glasnow reportedly experienced a flare-up following a bullpen outing over a week ago and has since regressed to throwing only on flat ground. “His body is not responding,” Roberts admitted. “I know he’s just as frustrated as we all are.”
Glasnow’s season was off to a steady, if unspectacular, start before the shutdown—five outings, 18 innings, a 4.50 ERA, and an elite 29.9% strikeout rate. However, subtle declines in velocity and swing-and-miss metrics hint at underlying physical strain. His average fastball has dipped from 96.3 mph last year to 95.2 mph, a notable drop for a pitcher who leans on his heater nearly half the time.
With Glasnow now out through at least late June, the Dodgers are forced to navigate a brutal injury wave affecting 15 pitchers on their roster. The rotation will continue to lean on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Landon Knack, and eventually, a returning Clayton Kershaw. Shohei Ohtani is also expected to rejoin the pitching staff later this season.
When healthy, Glasnow is among the most dominant starters in the game. But for now, his return remains uncertain—and with it, a key piece of the Dodgers’ championship aspirations is stuck in limbo.