Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals Concern Level With Tyler Glasnow’s Back Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers, perennial contenders in Major League Baseball (MLB), have been navigating a challenging 2025 season, marked by a series of injuries to key players. Among the most significant concerns is the health of starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, whose recent back tightness has raised questions about his availability for the postseason and the team’s overall strategy. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has provided updates on Glasnow’s condition, offering insight into the team’s cautious optimism while acknowledging the pitcher’s injury history. This article delves into the details of Glasnow’s back injury, Roberts’ perspective, the implications for the Dodgers’ rotation, and the broader context of the team’s playoff aspirations.

Background on Tyler Glasnow’s Role with the Dodgers

Tyler Glasnow, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ starting rotation since joining the team in 2024. Known for his electric stuff and towering 6-foot-8 frame, Glasnow has the ability to dominate hitters when healthy, boasting a career-high 168 strikeouts in 2024 and earning his first All-Star selection. In 2025, despite a season interrupted by injuries, Glasnow has posted a respectable 3.41 ERA with 81 strikeouts over 68⅔ innings in 14 starts. His ability to miss bats, with a 1.11 WHIP and a strong strikeout rate, makes him a critical asset for a Dodgers team aiming for another World Series title.

However, Glasnow’s career has been plagued by injuries, including elbow tendinitis in 2024 and shoulder inflammation earlier in 2025, which sidelined him for significant periods. His recent back tightness, reported ahead of a scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles on September 5, 2025, has added to the Dodgers’ ongoing injury concerns. With the team holding a slim one-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West as of September 8, 2025, Glasnow’s health is a pivotal factor in their postseason outlook.

The Injury Scare: Back Tightness Forces a Scratch

On September 5, 2025, the Dodgers announced that Glasnow would be scratched from his scheduled start against the Orioles due to back tightness. Manager Dave Roberts explained that Glasnow reported the issue on the afternoon of the game, prompting the team to take a cautious approach. Instead, superstar Shohei Ohtani stepped in on short notice, delivering 3.2 scoreless innings in a 2-1 loss. Roberts’ decision to replace Glasnow with Ohtani was driven by the need to protect the pitcher, especially given his history of back issues, including a stint on the injured list in 2024 for similar reasons.

Roberts provided an initial update, stating, “We dodged a bullet,” after Glasnow underwent additional testing in Los Angeles. The medical evaluation confirmed that the back tightness was not a severe issue, and the team was optimistic that Glasnow could return to the mound during their upcoming homestand against the Colorado Rockies, starting September 8, 2025. This encouraging news was echoed by Dodgers reporter Jack Harris, who noted Roberts’ relief that the injury was not expected to require a prolonged absence.

Dave Roberts’ Concern Level: Balancing Optimism and Caution

Roberts’ public comments reflect a measured approach to Glasnow’s injury. While the manager expressed relief that the issue was not as severe as initially feared, he acknowledged the need for careful management. “He went and saw the docs back in Los Angeles, and nothing came of it,” Roberts said, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group. “So we expect to pencil him in soon. But we dodged a bullet, so we feel good about that.” This statement underscores the team’s belief that Glasnow’s back tightness is a minor setback, with a plan to have him start during the Rockies series, though the exact date remains uncertain.

Despite the positive outlook, Roberts’ comments also reveal an underlying concern about Glasnow’s durability. The pitcher’s injury history, particularly with his back, raises red flags for a team that relies heavily on its starting rotation in the postseason. Glasnow’s 2024 season was interrupted by elbow tendinitis, and his 2025 campaign has already seen him miss time due to shoulder inflammation. The recurring nature of his injuries, combined with his 6-foot-8 frame, makes back issues a persistent concern, as taller pitchers often face increased strain on their spine and core muscles.

Roberts’ decision to send Glasnow for further testing in Los Angeles, rather than immediately slotting him back into the rotation, highlights the team’s cautious approach. The Dodgers are acutely aware that another injury to Glasnow this late in the season could jeopardize his availability for the playoffs, where his ability to pitch deep into games would be invaluable. Roberts’ comments suggest a balance between optimism about Glasnow’s imminent return and a recognition that the team must prioritize his long-term health.

Glasnow’s Perspective: Downplaying the Setback

Glasnow himself has sought to downplay the severity of his back tightness, a stance he has taken with previous injuries as well. In June 2025, when he experienced back tightness following a bullpen session, Glasnow insisted, “I feel totally fine,” and described the issue as a precautionary pause in his rehab process. This attitude reflects his desire to return to the mound quickly and contribute to the Dodgers’ postseason push. Glasnow emphasized his goal of being healthy for the playoffs, stating, “I’m trying to get out there. I want to be healthy, I want to be in the playoffs.”

While Glasnow’s optimism is encouraging, it also underscores the challenge of managing a pitcher who is eager to compete but has a history of physical setbacks. His comments suggest a focus on returning as soon as possible, but the Dodgers’ training staff and coaching team are likely to take a more conservative approach, especially given the timing of the injury with only weeks remaining in the regular season.

Implications for the Dodgers’ Rotation

Glasnow’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the Dodgers, who have been battered by injuries throughout the 2025 season. In addition to Glasnow, key players like Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Alex Vesia have also been sidelined, though Roberts indicated that Muncy and Vesia are expected to return on September 8, with Edman close behind. The return of these players could bolster the Dodgers’ roster, but the pitching staff remains a particular concern.

The Dodgers’ rotation has relied heavily on Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and other starters to carry the load in Glasnow’s absence. Ohtani’s ability to step in for Glasnow against the Orioles was a testament to the team’s depth, but it also highlighted the strain on the pitching staff. Glasnow’s return would provide a significant boost, as his ability to pitch seven innings, as demonstrated in his most recent start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allows the Dodgers to preserve their bullpen for high-leverage situations.

If Glasnow can return for the Rockies series, as Roberts hopes, he could make two or three more starts before the postseason, giving him time to regain his rhythm and build confidence. However, any further setbacks could force the Dodgers to lean more heavily on their bullpen or less experienced starters, a risky proposition in October.

The Broader Context: Dodgers’ Playoff Push

As of September 8, 2025, the Dodgers hold a one-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West, with the regular season winding down. The team’s depth and star power, led by players like Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, make them a formidable postseason contender, but injuries have tested their resilience. Glasnow’s health is particularly critical because of his potential to be a frontline starter in a playoff rotation that could include Ohtani, Yamamoto, and others.

The Dodgers’ experience in 2024, when they won the World Series despite Glasnow’s absence in the postseason due to injury, demonstrates their ability to adapt. However, repeating that success without Glasnow would be a taller order, especially against strong National League teams like the Philadelphia Phillies or Atlanta Braves. Roberts’ management of Glasnow’s recovery will be a key storyline as the Dodgers aim to secure a division title and position themselves for a deep playoff run.

Historical Context: Glasnow’s Injury History

Glasnow’s injury history provides important context for understanding the Dodgers’ cautious approach. In 2024, he missed 18 days due to lower back tightness, and earlier in 2025, he spent significant time on the 60-day injured list with shoulder inflammation. His most recent rehab starts in June and July 2025 showed mixed results, with a particularly rough outing on June 27, where he allowed five runs in 2.1 innings for the Triple-A OKC Comets. These struggles prompted Roberts to note that Glasnow needed to focus more on getting outs than tinkering with his mechanics.

The recurring nature of Glasnow’s injuries, particularly to his back and shoulder, suggests that the Dodgers must manage his workload carefully. His 6-foot-8 frame, while an asset for generating velocity and movement, puts additional stress on his body, making him more susceptible to injuries like back tightness. The team’s decision to conduct further testing and delay his return until he is fully cleared reflects a long-term strategy to ensure he is available for the postseason.

Fan and Media Reaction

Posts on X and media reports indicate a mix of concern and optimism among Dodgers fans and analysts. The announcement of Glasnow’s scratch on September 5 sparked immediate worry, given his importance to the team and his injury history. However, Roberts’ updates, particularly the “dodged a bullet” comment, have alleviated some fears, with fans expressing hope that Glasnow will return soon and be ready for the playoffs. Media outlets, including DodgerBlue.com and The Athletic, have emphasized the Dodgers’ cautious approach and the positive results of Glasnow’s medical evaluations, reinforcing the narrative that the team is prioritizing his health.

Looking Ahead: Glasnow’s Return and Postseason Outlook

The Dodgers are hopeful that Glasnow will return for their series against the Rockies, potentially as early as September 8, 2025. If he can make a start without issue, it would provide a significant boost to the team’s confidence heading into the final weeks of the regular season. A successful return would also allow Glasnow to fine-tune his command, which has been inconsistent at times this year, as evidenced by his 11.5% walk rate.

For the postseason, Glasnow’s role as a potential No. 2 or No. 3 starter behind Ohtani and Yamamoto could be pivotal. His ability to pitch deep into games and generate strikeouts makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing lineups, but only if he is fully healthy. The Dodgers’ training staff will likely monitor his pitch count and workload closely to prevent any further setbacks.

Dave Roberts’ updates on Tyler Glasnow’s back injury reflect a blend of relief and caution, as the Dodgers navigate a critical stretch of the 2025 season. While the team appears to have avoided a major setback, Glasnow’s injury history and the timing of this issue underscore the need for careful management. With the postseason looming, the Dodgers are banking on Glasnow’s return to bolster their rotation and fuel their championship aspirations. As the team prepares for their upcoming homestand and the final push toward October, all eyes will be on Glasnow’s health and performance, as he aims to prove he can stay on the mound and deliver when it matters most.