Tyler Glasnow could return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation in September, then find himself pitching out of the bullpen in October.
MLB.com’s Sonja Chen placed Glasnow among the relievers in her full-strength Dodgers postseason roster projection. Her four-man rotation featured Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Shohei Ohtani, leaving the $136.5 million right-hander in a relief group with Roki Sasaki and Justin Wrobleski.
The scenario is an outside projection, not a decision by manager Dave Roberts. It nevertheless illustrates the competition created by Los Angeles’ deadline acquisition of Skubal and the possible return of three injured starters.
Glasnow agreed to a five-year, $136.5 million extension after the Dodgers acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2023. A contract of that size normally guarantees a postseason rotation spot. Los Angeles’ unusual depth could make role and salary secondary to matchups.
Tarik Skubal Trade Creates Dodgers’ October Squeeze
GettyTarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field on August 04, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Glasnow has pitched like a starter worthy of October. He went 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA, 49 strikeouts, and a 0.83 WHIP across seven starts before lower back spasms interrupted his season, according to his official MLB statistics.
He began a minor league rehabilitation assignment Tuesday, completing two scoreless innings on 16 pitches for Single-A Ontario. Roberts said Glasnow threw another simulated inning afterward and could be considered for activation once he reaches four innings, MLB.com reported. His next rehab start is scheduled for Sunday.
Returning to the regular-season rotation would not settle his October role. Yamamoto and two-time Cy Young Award winners Skubal and Snell form a formidable top three. If Ohtani rebuilds enough stamina to pitch, Chen’s projection moves Glasnow to the bullpen.
There is a caveat. Chen’s “season ended now” version keeps Glasnow in the rotation because Ohtani is not currently pitching. She also suggested Ohtani might work as a multi-inning opener and potentially pair with Glasnow. That arrangement could make the distinction between starter and reliever largely cosmetic.
Tyler Glasnow Has Already Delivered From Bullpen
GettyTyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning in game six of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
A relief assignment would not send Glasnow into unfamiliar territory. He moved between roles during the Dodgers’ 2025 championship run and delivered his most memorable work in the World Series.
Glasnow recorded a three-pitch save in Game 6 against the Toronto Blue Jays. One night later, he supplied 2.1 critical relief innings in Los Angeles’ 11-inning Game 7 victory. He finished that postseason with a 1.69 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 21.1 innings.
That history gives Roberts flexibility. Glasnow could follow Ohtani, cover multiple innings after a short start, or enter when a matchup favors his power arsenal. Sasaki and Wrobleski also have relief experience, allowing the Dodgers to construct games differently throughout a series.
Glasnow first must complete his rehab and remain healthy. If he does, a bullpen projection would reflect the Dodgers’ surplus of elite starters—not a lack of confidence in him.
Dodgers’ $136.5 Million Ace Projected for Bullpen Role in October