Back spasms have a way of testing even the most resilient rotations. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tyler Glasnow’s absence has stretched into a second week, forcing the club to lean harder on its depth while chasing another deep October run.
Saturday brought another layer to the story. Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya shared the latest from manager Dave Roberts: “Dave Roberts said Tyler Glasnow ‘hasn’t gotten over the hump’ to ramp up his throwing progression beyond playing catch. Back isn’t bothering him, per se, but hasn’t been able to let it rip.” The right-hander had looked ready to build momentum after throwing on the field May 13. Instead, he’s still stuck in neutral, unable to unleash his elite stuff.
It’s the kind of frustrating plateau that Dodgers fans know too well with Glasnow’s injury history. Yet the team refuses to slow down. They just keep finding ways to win.
Take Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. Justin Wrobleski delivered a gem, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth before it evaporated. The 25-year-old lefty punched out a career-high nine batters with zero walks over seven innings of one-hit ball.
That win pushed the Dodgers to a season-high six straight victories at the time. Even without Glasnow, the rotation and bullpen have answered the call. Wrobleski’s emergence provides real hope for the stretch run.
Saturday’s result against the Phillies—a 4-3 loss—showed the grind of this series. Roki Sasaki threw well in his outing but the bullpen couldn’t hold a late lead as Philadelphia rallied in the eighth. Still, the Dodgers sit strong in the NL West at 37-21 heading into the final game of this homestand.
Glasnow’s situation remains the biggest question mark. He’s not dealing with fresh structural damage, but the inability to “let it rip” delays everything. Roberts and the training staff are playing it patient—no sense rushing a high-upside arm like his into another setback.
The Dodgers’ ability to weather this without missing a beat speaks volumes about their roster construction.
