Tyler Glasnow made a much-anticipated return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching rotation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, after more than two months sidelined with right shoulder inflammation. Stepping onto the mound for the first time since April 27, Glasnow delivered a solid performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing just one unearned run over five innings. Despite his strong outing, the Dodgers fell 3-2, extending their losing streak to six games—their longest skid since April 2019.
Glasnow’s return was a welcome boost for a Dodgers pitching staff riddled with injuries. The team continues to cope without key arms like two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Blake Treinen. Glasnow’s activation from the 60-day injured list required roster adjustments, leading to reliever Alexis Diaz being optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City just one day after his call-up.
Before his injury, Glasnow had made five starts with the Dodgers this season, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.50 ERA and tallying 23 strikeouts in 18 innings. He signed a lucrative five-year, $136.6 million contract extension with Los Angeles in December 2023, making him the team’s highest-paid player this season with a base salary of $30 million. His return is expected to ease the burden on a bullpen that has logged more innings than any other in Major League Baseball this year, with 409.1 innings pitched.
Despite Glasnow’s encouraging performance, the Dodgers’ offense continues to struggle. Over their six-game losing streak, they have scored a mere 10 runs. On Wednesday, they managed only two runs, both scored by utilityman Miguel Rojas, who lamented, “Scoring one or two runs is not going to cut it. We have to do better.” The Dodgers’ star-studded lineup, featuring MVP-caliber players Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, has yet to produce the big innings needed to halt the slide.
The Dodgers also face injury challenges on the offensive side. Utilityman Kiké Hernández and infielder Max Muncy remain on the injured list, while second baseman Tommy Edman and outfielder Teoscar Hernández suffered fouls off their feet in a July 5 game. Edman returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday after missing three games, and Hernández made a pinch-hit appearance, walking in the seventh inning.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism about his team’s fight, praising their discipline at the plate. “I liked the way my team competed by drawing seven walks,” he said following the game. However, the Dodgers left 11 men on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, a glaring issue that contributed to their inability to secure a win. The Dodgers led 2-1 before the Brewers tied the game in the ninth inning and ultimately won in the 10th.
Roberts emphasized the importance of patience and persistence, stating, “It’s one of those things that we’ve got to find a way to weather it. You don’t want guys trying to press to just get it all back with one swing. I think the messaging is just go out there and keep taking the at-bats we took today.”
While this losing streak is a setback, it follows a strong 15-3 stretch that had given the Dodgers a comfortable lead in the National League West. They remain five games ahead of the San Francisco Giants, who will host them in a crucial three-game series starting Friday, July 11. The opener will feature a pitching duel against All-Star right-hander Logan Webb, making it imperative for the Dodgers to regain momentum before the All-Star break.
In terms of roster moves, the Dodgers also sent minor league outfielder Steward Berroa to the Brewers in exchange for cash considerations. Berroa, 26, has yet to appear in a major league game this season but has shown promise in Triple-A with a .270 batting average, one home run, 15 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases across 51 games. The Brewers optioned him to their Triple-A affiliate in Nashville and placed him on the injured list with right shoulder bursitis. Additionally, the Brewers designated right-handed pitcher Elvin Rodríguez for assignment.
Alexis Diaz’s demotion was a notable development. The 28-year-old reliever, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in a late May trade, has struggled to find his footing with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City, posting a 9.64 ERA with seven walks and three strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings. Diaz did not appear in a game after being recalled on July 8 and will return to the minors to continue working on his form. Diaz, who once saved 75 games with the Reds between 2022 and 2024 and made the National League All-Star team in 2023, has faced challenges this season, including a left hamstring strain and a loss of his closer role in Cincinnati.
Meanwhile, pitcher Michael Kopech was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Glasnow on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, further highlighting the team’s ongoing injury struggles.
Glasnow’s return is a critical piece of the Dodgers’ strategy as they aim to maintain their division lead and push for another championship. With a career 40-33 record and a 3.83 ERA over parts of 10 major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, and Dodgers, he brings valuable experience and talent to a team in need of stability on the mound.
As the Dodgers prepare for their upcoming series against the Giants, the pressure mounts to snap their losing streak and reignite their offense. Glasnow’s performance Wednesday showed promise, but the team’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be key in the days ahead.
