Tyler Glasnow Looking Forward to Healthy Seasons With Dodgers

Injuries have been a major concern for Glasnow in the past.

The Dodgers landed their front-line starter in the form of Tyler Glasnow last week after making a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Glasnow gives them a true ace-level starter to work with, and the team extended his contract to push the trade through.

When healthy, Glasnow is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but he has seen some injury issues over the years. The Dodgers are banking on their positive evaluation of Glasnow's medicals, with their doctors, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning staff ready to provide the pitcher with support whenever needed.

Despite the injury concerns that have surrounded him, Glasnow is very much looking forward to having some healthy seasons with the Dodgers.

Tyler Glasnow said his injury history is "fair" knock against his past. But all those injuries were related to UCL and since TJ surgery he thinks those problems are behind him. #Dodgers

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 18, 2023

Glasnow pitched a career-high 120 innings at the major league level in 2023, posting an ERA of 3.53 over 21 starts. The Dodgers would love nothing more than a new career-high innings total from Glasnow in 2024. Being part of a new team might help.

If Glasnow is hopeful that his injury issues are behind him, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He has electric stuff on the mound and can mow down hitters in any given game. Considering what the Dodgers gave up to acquire him, a healthy Glasnow — particularly in October — would be a steal.

Right-hander Walker Buehler can match Glasnow's upside, but 2024 will be his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Youngsters Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan and Michael Grove are no more stretched out for a full season's workload than Glasnow. Ryan Yarbrough spent last season in a swingman role. Shohei Ohtani isn't expected to pitch until 2025.

Given those options, the Dodgers are wise to look around for more starting pitching help. Acquiring Glasnow is a great start. He should give them a chance to win every game he pitches. Being from Southern California, he will be motivated to get started.