Tyler Glasnow’s explanation for early exit vs. Rangers should give Dodgers fans hope

Before 2024, Tyler Glasnow had never pitched more than 120 innings in a single season after eight years in the majors and only averaged around 74 1/3 innings and 11 starts per year. He'd dealt with minor injuries before his major league debut, but the trouble really started after he was traded to the Rays in 2018. In essence, the Dodgers knew exactly what they were receiving when he arrived.

In 2019, he was out from May to September; in 2021, he was diagnosed with UCL tears and a flexor strain in June and undewent Tommy John, which kept him off the mound until September 2022. The next year, he set a new career high at 120 innings, but started the season late with an oblique strain.

The Dodgers knew the risk they were taking on when they signed him, and he did manage to break his record for innings pitched in 2024 at 134, but he didn't pitch after Aug. 11 due to a sprained elbow.

Despite being a part of one of the most breakable rotation in baseball, Glasnow still comes with a particularly large 'Fragile' sign because his history of injury is so extensive. That's what made his exit against the Rangers in the top of the fifth this weekend so alarming.

Glasnow walked off the field after just one pitch, looking like he was holding his ankle. However, he told reporters after the game that the issue — revealed to be leg cramps — shouldn't keep him out of his next scheduled start.

Dodgers' Tyler Glasnow should be able to make his next start after early exit against Rangers

The Dodgers rotation is in an almost unacceptably tenuous place with Blake Snell's absence, and they can't afford to lose another starter to the IL right now. Justin Wrobleski, Landon Knack, and Bobby Miller all got opportunities to audition as stopgap starters; none answered the call and all are now back in Triple-A. The Dodgers called up bullpen arm Noah Davis from Triple-A and are planning on a bullpen game in place of Snell's next start.

Glasnow's complaint will be one to keep an eye on as the season goes on, though; he said that though cramping hasn't bothered him in a while, the issue has been recurring and he doesn't know the root cause.

For now, the Dodgers are still walking that tightrope without fully falling off. Hopefully, Tony Gonsolin and Clayton Kershaw will be able to make their ways back soon to add even more reinforcements, but it's imperative that the currently healthy starters stay that way.