All the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans want is a healthy pitching staff. They just can't seem to catch a single break in that regard.
Having any of their starting pitchers injured would have been a tough blow for the Dodgers to navigate, but at this point, all of the starters that have been in Los Angeles all season have dealt with some kind of injury.
There are some pitchers a team can afford to lose and some that it can't. Ace Tyler Glasnow, who signed a $136 million extension with the Dodgers this spring after arriving via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, is the latter.
On Friday, Glasnow reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery from elbow tendinitis, feeling discomfort in his elbow while warming up for a simulated game. It didn't sound good in the aftermath, and now the Dodgers' worst fears seem to be confirmed.
According to MLB.com reporter Juan Toribio, Glasnow is expected to miss the rest of the 2024 season, barring a minor miracle.
"#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said scans revealed a sprained elbow for Tyler Glasnow. He said it's "highly unlikely" he returns this season," Toribio said.
The Dodgers have weathered the storm of starting pitching injuries all season, but this one feels different.
Glasnow was terrific this season, making his first career All-Star appearance and leading the National League in strikeouts before his injury. He racked up 168 punchouts in 134 innings pitched, posting a 9-6 record and 3.49 ERA.
At first, Glasnow was the constant and consistent presence amid the injuries. Then, when he got hurt himself, there was the promise of his eventual return. Now, the Dodgers have to prepare for a postseason without their ace.
No one will ever count out a team with as many stars as the Dodgers. They'll never be considered a true underdog. But the odds sure do feel stacked against them as they head into October with more question marks than anybody.
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