LOS ANGELES — Tyler Glasnow's struggles with injuries continued on Sunday, April 27, 2025, as the Los Angeles Dodgers' right-handed pitcher exited his second consecutive start due to right shoulder discomfort. The concerning development unfolded during the team's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where Glasnow left before the top of the second inning after throwing just 17 pitches.
In a game that ultimately saw the Dodgers triumph 9-2, Glasnow's early departure marked yet another setback for the talented pitcher, who has faced a series of ailments since joining the team. The 29-year-old Glasnow, who previously exited a start against the Texas Rangers due to leg cramps, was seen shaking out his arm during warmups before the second inning, prompting manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Thomas Albert to rush to the mound.
“We’ve got to get him to a place where we feel, and he feels, that when he takes the mound he can go out there and be the guy that he’s capable of being,” Roberts said. “Until he gets to that point, the IL is certainly a conversation.”
Glasnow's troubles began in the first inning when he surrendered back-to-back home runs to Andrew McCutchen and Enmanuel Valdez. Despite the rough start, the Dodgers managed to rally from an early 2-0 deficit and secure the victory, thanks in part to a strong performance from rookie Ben Casparius, who replaced Glasnow and pitched into the fifth inning.
“I think it was just keep everything simple,” Casparius said about his relief appearance. “Obviously, not a lot of time to warm up. But our game reports are good. I knew what I needed to do to attack those guys and just go out there and just kind of clear my mind and go out and compete.”
Casparius was impressive, retiring 11 of the 13 batters he faced and striking out five in 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. His performance was crucial, especially considering the Dodgers' rotation has been stretched thin due to injuries, with Blake Snell currently on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.
Glasnow's injury history is well documented, with the pitcher having missed significant time previously due to elbow tendinitis and Tommy John surgery. He signed a lucrative five-year, $136.6 million contract extension with the Dodgers, believing that his past issues had been resolved. However, the recent string of injuries has raised concerns about his long-term viability.
“I’m just obsessed with trying to figure out what’s going on,” Glasnow said after the game. “It’s been like this for a few years, and I’m trying to find a way to stay healthy, and I’ll try to do whatever. I just don’t really have an answer right now, and I think that’s the most frustrating thing.”
Before the game, Roberts had expressed optimism regarding Glasnow's health, noting that he had received fluids intravenously the day prior to help prevent dehydration. “For me and the training staff, there’s no concern going into this start,” Roberts had said. But as the game unfolded, it became clear that Glasnow's shoulder issue was more serious than anticipated.
The Dodgers now face the challenge of filling two rotation spots as they prepare for their upcoming series against the Miami Marlins. With Gonsolin set to return from Tommy John surgery, Roberts indicated that the team would likely lean on their bullpen for the immediate future. “It is what it is,” Roberts said. “Guys are picking each other up. We’ve got a lot of good arms, a lot of talent, and at the end of the day we’re winning a lot of baseball games, more than we’re losing.”
Despite the early struggles, the Dodgers showcased their offensive firepower on Sunday. Freddie Freeman drove in the first run with a single, and the Pirates' defense faltered, allowing another run to score on a pair of errors by third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. Andy Pages, who had a standout performance throughout the series, drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single, marking the first of his four hits in the game.
Teoscar Hernandez also made headlines, hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning, which marked the 200th home run of his career. Pages had an outstanding weekend series, going 10 for 12 against the Pirates, further solidifying his place in the Dodgers' lineup.
As the Dodgers navigate the uncertainty surrounding Glasnow's health, they remain focused on maintaining their winning momentum. With a deep roster and a commitment to supporting each other, the team is determined to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and continue their pursuit of success in the 2025 season.
