Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow Gets Unfortunate Update After Early Exit vs. Pirates

Los Angeles, April 29, 2025 – The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching woes deepened as All-Star right-hander Tyler Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation following an early exit in Sunday’s 9-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The announcement, confirmed by the Dodgers on Monday, marks Glasnow as the 13th pitcher on the team’s injured list this season, raising concerns about the rotation’s stability despite the team’s resilience in securing a series win. Glasnow’s latest setback, coupled with his history of injuries, has left fans, teammates, and the organization frustrated, with no clear timeline for his return.

A Troubling Exit in a Dominant Win

The incident occurred during the series finale against the Pirates at Dodger Stadium on April 27, 2025. Glasnow, starting his fifth game of the season, struggled in the first inning, surrendering back-to-back solo home runs to Andrew McCutchen and Emmanuel Valdez after a leadoff walk. He threw 17 pitches, recording no strikeouts, before returning to the mound for warm-up throws in the second inning. Visibly uncomfortable, Glasnow doubled over after his final warm-up pitch, prompting an immediate visit from manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Thomas Albert. The Dodgers announced shortly after that Glasnow was removed due to right shoulder discomfort, later diagnosed as inflammation.

Roberts hinted post-game that a stint on the injured list was “certainly a possibility,” a prediction confirmed when the Dodgers recalled right-hander Noah Davis and placed Glasnow on the IL the following day. “We’ve got to get him to a place where he feels he can take the mound and be the guy he’s capable of being,” Roberts said. “Until then, the IL is the right move.”

Glasnow expressed deep frustration, attributing the injury to recent mechanical adjustments aimed at preventing other ailments. “I’m just making a lot of changes, trying to figure out a way to stay healthy, but some of those changes are stressing other parts,” he told reporters. “It’s exhausting, and I feel bad for my teammates and the fans. I’m obsessed with figuring this out, but I don’t have answers right now.”

A Pattern of Injuries

Glasnow’s 2025 season has been marred by recurring health issues. Just a week prior, on April 20, he exited a start against the Texas Rangers after four innings due to lower leg cramps, a precautionary move after receiving an IV for hydration the day before the Pirates game. His current 4.50 ERA over five starts, with 23 strikeouts in 17.2 innings, reflects a struggle to find consistency, compounded by a slight dip in velocity and nine errors behind him.

The 31-year-old’s injury history is well-documented. Since joining the Dodgers in a December 2023 trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, followed by a five-year, $136.5 million extension, Glasnow has battled persistent setbacks. In 2024, his first All-Star season, he posted a 9-6 record with a 3.49 ERA across 134 innings but was sidelined in August with right elbow tendinitis, missing the postseason and the Dodgers’ World Series run. Previous injuries include a 2021 partial UCL tear requiring Tommy John surgery, a 2023 lower back issue, and multiple cramping episodes, notably against the Toronto Blue Jays last season.

Glasnow’s efforts to stay healthy have included biomechanical tweaks, hydration experiments like drinking pickle juice, and eliminating heavy balls from his offseason regimen. Yet, as he noted, these changes may have inadvertently shifted stress to his shoulder. “Anytime you change something to prevent an injury, other things take over,” he said. “It’s a fine line between old mechanics and what I’ve been practicing.”

Dodgers’ Rotation in Crisis

Glasnow’s absence exacerbates an already dire situation for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Left-hander Blake Snell is on the IL with shoulder inflammation, reliever Blake Treinen is battling forearm soreness, and stars like Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani remain sidelined. The team’s rotation has logged the fewest innings in the majors at 124.2, forcing the bullpen to cover a league-high 121.1 innings.

Despite the injuries, the Dodgers (18-10) showcased their depth against the Pirates. Emergency reliever Ben Casparius delivered 3.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts, while Alex Vesia, Luis García, and Yoendrys Gómez sealed the 9-2 win. Outfielder Andy Pages, named NL Player of the Week, led the offense with four hits, including a home run, and four RBIs, while Teoscar Hernández added his 200th career homer.

The team is set to welcome back right-hander Tony Gonsolin, who will make his first start since August 2023 on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins, following recovery from Tommy John surgery. A bullpen game is planned for Tuesday to cover the rotation gap.

Uncertain Road Ahead

No MRI has been scheduled for Glasnow’s shoulder, with Roberts noting the pitcher has already undergone extensive imaging. “We’ll see if more is needed, but for now, we’re focused on getting him right,” Roberts said. The lack of a clear timeline for Glasnow’s return, described as “tricky” by Roberts, adds uncertainty to the Dodgers’ plans.

Analysts are concerned about the long-term implications for Glasnow, whose 6-foot-8 frame and high-effort delivery may contribute to his injury-prone career. “Glasnow’s talent is undeniable, but his body seems to betray him,” wrote Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “The Dodgers need to balance his recovery with ensuring he’s not rushed back.” With a contract running through 2027 (plus a 2028 team option), the Dodgers remain committed to Glasnow as a cornerstone of their rotation, but his health remains a critical question mark.

Fan and Team Sentiment

On X, Dodgers fans expressed a mix of sympathy and frustration. “Glasnow can’t catch a break. Praying this is minor, but our rotation is cursed,” one user posted. Another wrote, “Ben Casparius stepped up huge, but we need Glasnow healthy for the long haul.” The sentiment echoes Glasnow’s own exasperation, as he apologized to fans and teammates for his recurring absences.

The Dodgers, however, remain optimistic about their depth. “It’s not new for us,” Roberts said of the pitching injuries. “We’re frustrated, but we’re built to handle this. We still won the series.” With Gonsolin’s return and potential reinforcements like Kershaw and Ohtani later in the season, the team is banking on its roster flexibility to stay atop the NL West.

Looking Forward

As the Dodgers prepare for their series against the Marlins, the focus will be on managing without Glasnow while hoping for a swift recovery. His history suggests caution, as premature returns have led to further setbacks. For now, Glasnow’s obsession with solving his injury puzzle continues, but the path to a healthy 2025 remains fraught with challenges. For a team with World Series aspirations, keeping their All-Star pitcher off the IL will be as critical as any on-field performance.