GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tyler Glasnow is starting to come to terms with his new reality as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Surrounded by familiar faces like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, the Southern California native finds the experience surreal yet exciting.
The 30-year-old Glasnow, who recently signed a $136.5 million, five-year contract with the Dodgers, was acquired from Tampa Bay amidst a flurry of offseason moves by the Los Angeles team. While Ohtani and Yamamoto are also settling into their new roles, Glasnow is expected to play a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
Known for his imposing stature at 6-foot-8 and a formidable pitching arsenal featuring a high-velocity fastball, devastating curveball, and slider, Glasnow is considered one of the top pitchers in baseball. However, his career has been plagued by injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a strained left oblique last season.
Despite the challenges, Glasnow remains optimistic and focused on each upcoming start rather than setting long-term personal goals. With the support of his family and friends, who are conveniently located in California and Arizona, Glasnow is ready to embrace this new chapter in his career with the Dodgers.