Steve Webb
ATLANTA, GA — Okay, now that I’m done screaming into my pillow, I can post this news: The Dodgers are dealing with significant injury troubles involving two of their star pitchers, Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw. Both players were expected to be key contributors this season, but their health issues have cast doubt on their availability for the remainder of 2024, including the postseason.
Tyler Glasnow’s Elbow Setback
Tyler Glasnow, a major offseason acquisition for the Dodgers, has had his season derailed by injuries. After being placed on the injured list on August 16 due to right elbow tendinitis, the initial hope was that Glasnow would return after a short stint on the IL. However, his recovery has taken longer than anticipated. Despite some progress in his rehab, Glasnow experienced more discomfort in a recent bullpen session, ultimately leading to the postponement of his simulated game on Friday.
This latest setback revealed that Glasnow has a strained elbow, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed deep concern about Glasnow’s chances of returning. “We’ll likely be without him for the remainder of the season,” Roberts said. The Dodgers had been optimistic after his initial MRI results, but Roberts added, “One day later, we learned we’d likely lost our ace for the rest of the season.”
Before his injury, Glasnow had been impressive, posting a 9-6 record, a 3.49 ERA, and a team-leading 168 strikeouts over 134 innings, a career-high for the pitcher. Without Glasnow, the Dodgers must rely on other options such as Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but their rotation has been stretched thin due to a string of injuries.
Clayton Kershaw’s Toe Issue
Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ long-time ace, has also faced his own health challenges this season. After undergoing left shoulder surgery in the offseason, Kershaw was not expected to return until after the All-Star break. However, he made his 2024 debut on July 25 and initially performed well before suffering a setback in late August.
The issue stems from a bone spur in Kershaw’s left big toe, an ailment he’s dealt with for several seasons. The pain intensified during a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 30, and Kershaw has struggled to push off the mound effectively since then. Roberts acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying, “I don’t see how it’s on the table for Clayton to return during the regular season.”
Kershaw has continued to play catch and has even thrown off a makeshift mound, but he has also been wearing a walking boot to alleviate pressure on the toe. Despite his best efforts, Kershaw’s chances of returning for the postseason remain in doubt. “He’s doing everything he possibly can,” Roberts said. “But the toe is not healed, and if it doesn’t, it’s not worth risking other parts of his body.”
Unlike teammate Freddie Freeman, who has played through a hairline fracture in his finger, Kershaw’s injury is more complicated due to the physical demands of pitching. Roberts highlighted this distinction, noting, “It’s not just a spur. There’s more going on—whether it’s tendons or ligaments—that makes this more severe.”
Impact on the Dodgers’ Postseason Plans
With both Glasnow and Kershaw facing uncertain futures, the Dodgers’ rotation depth has been severely tested. The team has already been forced to manage without several pitchers due to injuries, including Dustin May, Walker Buehler, and Tony Gonsolin, among others. This leaves the Dodgers relying heavily on Flaherty, Yamamoto, and their bullpen, which could affect their chances of a deep postseason run.
Roberts remains cautiously optimistic, especially with Kershaw, but the window is closing fast. “We’re hopeful, but it’s not a given,” he said. The Dodgers will continue to monitor the progress of their aces, but time is running out as the playoffs approach.
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