Tyler Glasnow’s move to the 60-day IL is a gut punch to the Dodgers, but not a death sentence. With proper management and some fortunate health breaks, he could return in time to lead a second-half surge
In the meantime, unexpected contributors like Chuckie Robinson may play crucial roles.
For now, the Dodgers must navigate choppy waters with a patchwork rotation and a thin margin for error. Whether they emerge stronger or stumble may very well hinge on how they adapt in the face of this early-season adversity.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of baseball, especially for power pitchers like Glasnow. But with careful management and gradual ramp-up, his return could be perfectly timed for a late-season surge.
For now, fans will have to wait and see how he progresses in his next bullpen and beyond. One thing is clear—his return can’t come soon enough for a team eyeing another October crown.
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Tyler Glasnow’s Setback Leaves Dodgers in a Bind
The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a significant blow to their pitching rotation as ace Tyler Glasnow was officially moved to the 60-day injured list (IL) on Saturday.1
The decision, though expected due to his lingering elbow issues, puts added pressure on the team as they navigate the challenging National League West division.
Glasnow has pitched just 18 innings this season, going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA. While his record may not fully reflect his impact on the mound, his presence as a staff leader and strikeout machine has been sorely missed since his last outing in late April.
A History of Elbow Troubles
This isn’t Glasnow’s first encounter with elbow problems. The talented right-hander was sidelined last year due to right elbow tendinitis and struggled to stay on the mound consistently.
While his arm talent has never been in question, his durability has been a concern throughout his career.
This season, Glasnow landed on the injured list on April 28 after making five starts, with the team initially hoping it would be a short stint.
However, inflammation in his right elbow has lingered longer than anticipated, forcing the Dodgers to make the more cautious call to shut him down until at least late June.
Tyler Glasnow: Impact on Dodgers’ Rotation
The Dodgers entered the 2025 MLB season with high expectations, in large part due to the star power of their pitching staff.2
Glasnow was supposed to be a cornerstone of that rotation, especially after the departure of some key arms and the uncertainty surrounding other pitchers.
Now, without Glasnow, the Dodgers must rely heavily on the likes of Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, and young arms such as Gavin Stone to carry the load.
While talented, these pitchers lack Glasnow’s veteran presence and dominant upside. The front office may need to explore trade options or internal call-ups if the rotation struggles in his absence.
The Risk and Reward of Glasnow
Acquired by the Dodgers in hopes of anchoring their rotation, Glasnow came with both potential and risk.
When healthy, he possesses ace-level stuff — a high-90s fastball, a sharp curve, and the ability to rack up strikeouts in bunches. However, his history of arm injuries was a red flag when the Dodgers made their move.
At his best, Glasnow can be among the most electric pitchers in the league. But the 60-day IL placement is a reminder of the delicate balance teams must strike when acquiring high-upside arms with injury histories.
For the Dodgers, it’s a roll of the dice that hasn’t paid off — at least not yet.
What the Timeline Looks Like Now
With the 60-day IL designation starting retroactively from April 28, Glasnow will be ineligible to return until late June.
That eliminates him from a substantial chunk of the regular season — and more crucially, some pivotal divisional matchups in May and June.
The Dodgers have to be cautious. Forcing a premature return could jeopardize not only the rest of the 2025 campaign but also Glasnow’s long-term health.
It’s likely the team will adopt a deliberate rehab schedule with multiple rehab outings before he sees big-league action again.
A Corresponding Move
- In a roster-related decision following Glasnow’s move to the IL, the Dodgers claimed catcher Chuckie Robinson off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.
- The move adds depth behind the plate and gives the Dodgers more flexibility at the catching position.
- Robinson, 29, spent time this season with Triple-A Salt Lake City, where he batted .272 with one home run and 18 RBIs.
- His offensive numbers won’t turn many heads, but he’s a reliable contact hitter with solid situational awareness at the plate.
- Robinson’s major league debut came with the Cincinnati Reds, where he played in 25 games. While he hasn’t established himself as a permanent MLB starter, he brings valuable experience and a strong defensive track record.
- The Angels recently designated him for assignment, and the Dodgers quickly swooped in to bolster their catching depth.
- This move may seem minor in comparison to Glasnow’s IL stint, but in a long MLB season, having a competent backup catcher can often prove pivotal.
Tyler Glasnow: Defensive Prowess Behind the Plate
One of Robinson’s standout qualities is his defensive ability. He owns a .992 fielding percentage and has thrown out 12 of 48 base stealers — a solid 25% caught-stealing rate.3
These numbers suggest he can hold his own as a backup and manage a pitching staff effectively.
With veteran Austin Barnes underperforming offensively and starter Will Smith occasionally needing rest or serving as a designated hitter, Robinson could provide timely support when called upon.
Why the Dodgers Made the Move
The Dodgers aren’t just reacting to Glasnow’s absence — they’re preparing for the grind of the season. Injuries, fatigue, and performance slumps are inevitable, and depth is critical to long-term success.
Robinson gives manager Dave Roberts another tool to manage workloads and game situations more efficiently.
Additionally, Robinson’s familiarity with West Coast baseball — given his stint with the Angels — may ease his transition into the Dodgers’ clubhouse and system.
Can Robinson Earn a Bigger Role?
While Chuckie Robinson is not expected to start regularly, his performance in Triple-A suggests he’s still developing. A strong showing during any stint with the Dodgers could elevate him to a more regular backup role, especially if Barnes continues to struggle.
Robinson’s path isn’t new in baseball — many catchers blossom later in their careers after refining their defensive skills and adjusting to major league pitching. The Dodgers, known for maximizing under-the-radar talent, may see something more in him.
With Glasnow shelved until late June, the front office will be under increasing scrutiny. Despite their impressive roster on paper, the Dodgers have had recent postseason shortcomings, and health issues with key players only add to the tension.
Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers’ brass must decide whether to stand pat and trust their current roster or make external moves — possibly a trade — to reinforce the pitching rotation. Glasnow’s health will be a major factor in shaping that decision.
Key Dates and Matchups
- The timing of Glasnow’s absence means he’ll miss several high-profile matchups, including divisional series against the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. These games could have major playoff implications come September.
- If all goes well in rehab, Glasnow could return just in time to gear up for a strong second half and make an impact in the postseason race. But everything depends on how his elbow responds over the next few weeks.
- The Dodgers are built to win now, but injuries like this test the durability and construction of even the most well-planned rosters.
- Glasnow was expected to be a postseason workhorse, and without him, the margin for error tightens considerably.
- Fans have seen this story before — an injury-depleted Dodgers team limping into October. If they want to avoid that fate again, depth and resourcefulness will be key in the coming months.
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Dodgers Skipper Offers Encouraging Update on Tyler Glasnow
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had their fair share of injury setbacks in 2025, particularly within their starting rotation.
One of the most closely watched recoveries belongs to ace right-hander Tyler Glasnow. After weeks of uncertainty, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has shared a promising update that has fans hopeful for a much-needed boost on the mound.
Postseason Absence Still Stings
One of the most frustrating aspects of Glasnow’s Dodgers tenure so far has been his inability to pitch in the postseason.
The Dodgers went on to win the 2024 World Series, defeating the New York Yankees in a six-game series. But Glasnow was forced to watch from the dugout, sidelined with lingering injury issues.
“It’s extremely frustrating,” Glasnow said last September. “I wanted to come here to win a World Series and pitch in the postseason.”
Even though he earned a ring, not being able to contribute in October was a tough pill to swallow for the 30-year-old right-hander.
Eyeing a Summer Return
While no definitive timeline has been given for Glasnow’s return, the recent bullpen session and the feedback afterward suggest he may be on track to rejoin the team sometime in the summer.
The Dodgers will likely remain cautious. Glasnow has had a history of arm injuries dating back to his time with the Rays, including Tommy John surgery in 2021.
Ensuring he is fully healthy before returning to major league action is paramount—not only for his own career longevity but also for the team’s postseason hopes.
Blake Snell Also Progressing
Glasnow isn’t the only injured ace the Dodgers are monitoring. Former Cy Young winner Blake Snell, who also joined the Dodgers in the offseason, is working his way back from his own stint on the injured list.
Snell’s rehab progress has reportedly been steady, though he remains behind Glasnow in terms of game-readiness.
The potential return of both pitchers could dramatically alter the Dodgers’ playoff trajectory. A healthy trio of Glasnow, Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto would give Los Angeles arguably the most dangerous starting rotation in baseball heading into the second half of the season.
Tyler Glasnow Returns to the Mound for First Time Since April
Tyler Glasnow’s last appearance for the Dodgers came on April 27, when he was forced to exit after just one inning due to shoulder soreness.
That early departure immediately raised red flags, given his prior injury history. Since then, the team and fans alike have been awaiting clarity on his status.
Last week, Glasnow finally returned to a mound, albeit in a bullpen session, marking the first time he had thrown from the rubber since his injury.
According to reports from Orange County Register‘s Bill Plunkett, the session was brief but significant, lasting fewer than 20 pitches.
Dave Roberts: “He Felt Great Afterwards”
Following the bullpen session, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts conveyed positive news about Glasnow’s progress.
“He said he felt great afterwards,” Roberts told reporters. “Don’t know what that means with velocity. But I do know he was getting after it pretty good.”
Although the velocity wasn’t officially tracked or reported, the encouraging takeaway was that Glasnow could throw with some intensity without discomfort.
For a pitcher dealing with shoulder issues, pain-free reps—especially when pushing effort—are a major step forward.
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A Rotation Ravaged by Injuries
The 2025 Dodgers have been forced to navigate through a minefield of injuries. A stunning 14 pitchers currently occupy spots on the injured list, highlighting the depth of the team’s pitching woes.
With so many arms unavailable, Los Angeles has had to rely heavily on younger talent and bullpen games to stay competitive.
Glasnow’s return would provide more than just innings—it would bring leadership, experience, and top-tier performance back to a rotation that desperately needs it.
A Key Piece Since His Arrival in LA
Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2023, Tyler Glasnow quickly made his presence felt in Los Angeles.
In his debut season with the Dodgers in 2024, he earned his first career All-Star selection, showcasing his powerful fastball and devastating curveball in the process.
Though his overall record was modest, his impact was significant. Glasnow posted a sub-3.50 ERA with a high strikeout rate, often being the stabilizing force in the Dodgers’ rotation during injury-plagued stretches.
He was also lauded for his clubhouse presence and professionalism.
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