Tyler Glasnow’s Early Exit Sparks Concern, But Dodgers Breathe Easy as Cramps Revealed as Culprit

April 22, 2025 – Los Angeles Dodgers fans held their breath on Monday night when starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow exited his start against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning, sparking immediate concern about a potential injury. Glasnow, a key piece of the Dodgers’ rotation, has a history of injury setbacks, and any sign of trouble sends ripples of worry through the fanbase and the organization. Fortunately, the scare was short-lived. Glasnow later clarified that he left the game due to cramps in both calves, specifically his right leg—his planting leg—easing fears of a more serious issue. While his early exit caused concern, the Dodgers can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing it was just a manageable physical hiccup rather than the start of another lengthy stint on the injured list.

A Frightening Moment for Dodgers Fans

The Dodgers-Giants matchup at Dodger Stadium was a tightly contested affair, with Glasnow delivering a solid performance through four innings. He had allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out seven, showcasing the electric stuff that has made him one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when healthy. But in the fifth inning, after throwing a 97-mph fastball to Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, Glasnow grimaced and signaled to the dugout. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the training staff quickly emerged, and after a brief discussion, Glasnow walked off the mound, visibly frustrated but under his own power.

The sight of Glasnow leaving the game sent a wave of unease through the stadium. The 31-year-old right-hander has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2023, but his career has been marred by injuries. In 2024, Glasnow made just 22 starts, finishing with a 9-6 record and a 3.49 ERA over 134 innings, striking out 168 batters. While those numbers are impressive, they were limited by a forearm strain that sidelined him for over a month midseason. Dodgers fans, all too familiar with Glasnow’s injury history—including Tommy John surgery in 2021—feared the worst as he headed to the clubhouse.

Social media erupted with speculation, with some fans worrying that Glasnow’s season might be in jeopardy. The Dodgers, already dealing with a rotation that has seen its share of injuries in 2025, could ill afford to lose Glasnow for an extended period. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto still working his way back from a shoulder issue and Clayton Kershaw managing his own health challenges, Glasnow’s durability has been critical to the team’s postseason aspirations.

Glasnow’s Reassuring Update

Thankfully, the postgame update brought a collective sigh of relief. Speaking to reporters after the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory, Glasnow clarified the situation. “It was just cramps in both calves, mostly my right leg, my planting leg,” he said, referring to the leg that absorbs much of the force during his delivery. “It started creeping up in the fourth inning, and by the fifth, I couldn’t push off properly. I didn’t want to risk compensating and messing something else up, so we decided to play it safe.”

Glasnow’s explanation was a welcome one for the Dodgers, who have leaned heavily on his contributions this season. Through his first six starts of 2025, Glasnow has been stellar, posting a 2.78 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. His ability to generate swings and misses—his strikeout rate sits at an elite 12.1 K/9—makes him a pivotal part of the Dodgers’ plans as they aim for another deep playoff run. The fact that his early exit was due to cramps, rather than a structural injury, means the team can focus on managing his recovery rather than bracing for a prolonged absence.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed Glasnow’s optimism. “Tyler’s been through a lot, so we’re always cautious when he shows any discomfort,” Roberts said. “But once we got him in the clubhouse and assessed him, it was clear this was just dehydration and cramping. He’ll get some fluids, some rest, and we expect him to be ready for his next start.”

The Science of Cramps in Athletes

Glasnow’s cramping issue, while alarming in the moment, is not uncommon among athletes, particularly pitchers who put immense strain on their bodies. Calf cramps can result from a variety of factors, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and muscle fatigue. For pitchers like Glasnow, whose explosive delivery generates significant torque, the calves play a critical role in stabilizing the body during each pitch. His right leg, as his planting leg, bears the brunt of that force, making it particularly susceptible to fatigue.

Dr. James Andrews, a renowned sports medicine expert, has noted that cramps often occur when athletes push their bodies to the limit, especially in warmer weather or during high-intensity performances. Monday night’s game in Los Angeles saw temperatures in the high 70s, and Glasnow had thrown 87 pitches before exiting, a workload that likely contributed to his condition. Additionally, Glasnow’s 6-foot-8 frame means his body requires more hydration and nutrients to sustain peak performance, and any lapse in preparation can lead to issues like cramping.

The Dodgers’ training staff is already taking steps to prevent a recurrence. Glasnow will undergo a hydration protocol, including IV fluids and electrolyte supplements, to ensure his body is properly fueled. He’ll also work with the team’s strength and conditioning coaches to address any muscle imbalances that might have contributed to the cramps. For a pitcher with Glasnow’s injury history, such proactive measures are essential to keeping him on the mound.

Glasnow’s Journey and Resilience

Tyler Glasnow’s career has been a testament to resilience. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011, he made his MLB debut in 2016 but struggled to stay healthy early on. After being traded to the Rays in 2018, Glasnow began to unlock his potential, posting a 1.78 ERA over 60.2 innings in 2019. However, injuries—including a forearm strain and the aforementioned Tommy John surgery—limited his availability. Since joining the Dodgers, Glasnow has worked tirelessly to overcome those setbacks, emerging as a reliable ace when healthy.

Glasnow’s 2025 season has been a continuation of that upward trajectory. His fastball, which regularly touches 98 mph, pairs with a devastating curveball and slider to make him a nightmare for opposing hitters. Beyond his raw stuff, Glasnow has improved his command and durability, routinely pitching into the sixth and seventh innings—something he struggled with earlier in his career. His ability to stay on the field has been a boon for the Dodgers, who are looking to capture their second World Series title in six years.

Looking Ahead

With Glasnow expected to make his next start, the Dodgers can refocus on their immediate goals. At 14-8, they sit atop the NL West, but the Giants and Padres are hot on their heels. Glasnow’s health will be critical as the season progresses, especially with the postseason looming. The Dodgers’ rotation, when fully healthy, is a formidable unit, with Glasnow, Yamamoto, and Kershaw leading the way. But as the team learned in 2024, depth can be tested quickly, making Glasnow’s cramping scare a reminder of the importance of managing his workload.

For now, Glasnow is taking the incident in stride. “It’s frustrating to leave a game early, but I’m glad it’s nothing serious,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be ready to go next time out.” That sentiment is music to the ears of Dodgers fans, who are eager to see their ace continue his dominant 2025 campaign.

As the Dodgers prepare for the next game in their series against the Giants, the focus will shift back to the field. Glasnow’s early exit may have caused a momentary panic, but with the diagnosis of cramps confirmed, Los Angeles can move forward with confidence. For a team with World Series aspirations, keeping their star pitcher healthy is the top priority—and fortunately, this scare was just that: a scare.