Spring Training is the foundation of the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd. More so, for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Indulging in the hope of a new season, the spotlight has been on Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto since December. But one overshadowed player has risen above the pomp and show impressively.  

Quietly etching his name among the uncompromised, is this not-so-often-spoken-of Dodger. Despite embracing the media attention on the two Japanese imports, this name is synonymous with consistent grit and focus. A key part of the 2024 Blue Crew narrative – Any guesses? 

Guess Who’s Back With a Bang?!

That’s Tyler Glasnow we’re talking about! His story is one of being a dominant force. Before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021, August, his return to the mound was highly anticipated. However, uncertainty prevailed. Would he now be able to recapture his pre-injury form? The answer, based on his stellar Spring Training performance, appears to be a resounding yes. Perhaps also because he said, “My arm feels better than I ever could have imagined“. 

Yesterday’s outing established Glasnow’s ‘resurgent’ status.  He tossed five impeccable innings, leaving the opposition batters intimidated. The scorecard spoke volumes – 5 innings pitched, 0 earned runs, a scorching 8 strikeouts. Not to mention, he surrendered a mere 1 walk, and most unbelievably, no hits. And mind you, this dominance wasn’t a one-off.  

Just a few days prior, the RHP delivered another gem. He pitched 8 scoreless innings, again surrendering no hits and striking out a staggering 13 batters. The whispers and common emotion among fans grew louder – “Tyler Glasnow looks GOOD“. Delving further into his Spring Training stats unveil a more impressive picture.

This former Pittsburgh Pirate boasts a sub-1.00 ERA through his starts. This stands as a testament to his pinpoint control and a regained, possibly even surpassed, pre-surgery velocity. Besides exceeding expectations, these stats are rewriting the narrative for a pitcher returning from massive surgery. But try to answer this question – How good can #31 be in the regular season of 2024?

Caveats Amid Soaring Numbers – The Los Angeles Dodgers-Tyler Glasnow Saga

The 30-year-old’s resurgence is a welcome tonic for the Blue Crew’s rotation. Given that Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall-of-Famer, is nearing the twilight of his career and other starters have displayed some inconsistencies there are question marks hanging over the team’s depth.  It’s likely that a healthy and competent Glasnow is the the missing piece. It could be the differentiator between a solid season and a championship run. With that, it’s time to address the ‘ifs and buts’.

Firstly, health remains a primary concern. Tommy John surgery is complex, and staying healthy throughout the season will be paramount. Secondly, Glasnow would have to adapt to the major league hitters that will inevitably make them stronger as they get a glimpse into his repertoire. Despite the cloudy future, one point is evidently clear – Tyler Glasnow is back. 

Read More : After Acquiring Tyler Glasnow, Successful Pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto Could Add ‘Best Recruiter’ to Shohei Ohtani’s Already Impressive Resume