MLB Analyst Names Most Important Player in Dodgers Starting Rotation This Season

All eyes will be on L.A.'s newest addition to their rotation.

The 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers will enter the season with immense expectations. You could argue on paper they are the most loaded team from top to bottom. 

The Boys in Blue have countless All-Stars and superstars primed to make some noise and conquer the upcoming season. The Dodgers have many players on their roster who could be their best player any given day. However, none may be more important than their newest ace, right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow. 

The California kid is back home and will show that 2023 was no fluke in terms of health. Glasnow has all the talent to be L.A.'s number one, which would say a lot considering their loaded rotation. 

Health may be the only worry with Glasnow, and former MLB GM Steve Phillips says it will be crucial for the 30-year-old to be on the mound deep in the season. 

"But I want to see him in August pitching. I want to see him in September pitching. Right, 120 innings the most he's ever thrown, through it last year. They're betting and banking on him to be an ace and take the ball."

"[Tyler Glasnow] is an ace."#MLBTonight discusses expectations for the talented @Dodgers starter heading into the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/zUZ2sSpO3C

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 17, 2024

In 2023, Glasnow had his best overall season. He pitched a career-high in the majors 120 innings, recorded ten wins, a 3.53 ERA, and 162 strikeouts with a 2.91 FIP and 1.08 WHIP in 21 games. 

The right-handed pitcher was fantastic in 2023, and he'll look to have an even better 2024 season. Glasnow has had many injuries, especially in the last couple of seasons.

In 2021, he suffered a UCL tear that cut his 2021 season short, and he only started in two games in 2022. In 2019, he suffered a forearm injury; last season, he suffered an oblique strain. 

Still, despite the oblique strain, he managed to have a great 2023 season. Nonetheless, we hope these types of injuries are behind Glasnow, as he'll be looked at as a catalyst in this year's rotation.