Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Heading into Thursday, Tyler Glasnow had made five starts since being activated off the 60-day injured list on Aug. 25. It has been somewhat a mixed bag for the right-hander as he works to knock off the rust following a lengthy IL stint due to lower back issues.
Glasnow had a particularly poor showing against the Miami Marlins on Sept. 12, but followed it up with an improved outing against the San Francisco Giants his next time out.
Prior to Thursday’s start, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Glasnow had a good grasp of the areas he needed to improve upon heading into the postseason.
“I’ve seen he hasn’t really had concerns about the delivery. I think the ball is coming out really well,” Roberts began. “I like some of the things that he gets frustrated about, versus in years past. I think he’s just managing his outings really well, so this is going to be a good one.
“Obviously, it’s the confidence to go into the postseason, but either way, it’s not make or break. But I just want him to pitch well and feel good going into October.”
Glasnow validated Roberts comments with another strong performance, his second in a row. The end result was a loss, but Glasnow also set a season high with 11 strikeouts. He had a perfect game before issuing a leadoff walk in the fourth inning, and a no-hitter until a one-out single in the sixth.
The 11-year veteran appears to be on the outside looking in when it comes to the Dodgers’ starting pitching plans in the National League Division Series.
Glasnow is likely headed back to the hybrid role he occupied during parts of last year’s postseason run. He made six total appearances during that span, only half of which were starts.
Glasnow thrived in that capacity despite the difficult nature of what he was asked to do, with a 1.69 ERA in 21.1 innings of work.
Tyler Glasnow encouraged for playoffs
Glasnow will have an important role to play for the Dodgers come October, even if it means needing to wait a bit for his next opportunity to pitch. If there’s a silver lining for the 33-year-old, it’s found in his two most recent starts.
“I think each start is kind of it’s own thing, but it is encouraging to feel good these last two,” Glasnow said. “Just feel strong and healthy, and we’ll take that into the postseason for sure.”
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