Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow looked like a key member of a World Series-contending rotation on Thursday, September 25th, against the San Diego Padres.
How did Glasnow pitch in his last start?
Glasnow pitched 6.1 innings, struck out 11, and allowed just one run. He had a no-hitter after five innings, but the sixth inning saw him lose it and give up a run.
He made it to the seventh inning, notching an out, but he allowed two baserunners before getting pulled from action.
Unfortunately, Justin Wrobleski came in and hit three singles, which eventually led to Glasnow’s baserunners scoring.
Still, Glasnow allowed only three hard hits while getting a ton of results in terms of swinging strikes. Out of 37 swings, he got 16 whiffs, good for a 43% rate.
Even better, he totaled 21 called strikes, showing just how few answers Padres hitters had in the end against Glasnow.
The tall righty relied on his sinker, which he threw 30% of the time, 9% above the season average. He tossed his four-seam fastball 9% less, but it was still at 26%.
Glasnow then mixed in the slider and knuckle curveball to great effect.
His stuff was so impressive because it had an extra inch of induced vertical and horizontal break compared to his season average, according to Baseball Savant.
While the results and underlying metrics are impressive, Glasnow has something to take with him into the postseason as a confidence boost.
What his last start means for the postseason
After months on the injured list with back spasms, Glasnow believes his timing is much better after shaking off some rust.
“I think the last couple of starts have been a lot better for me timing-wise,” Glasnow said to the media, including Dodgers Nation.
“I feel like I’m in a pretty good rhythm right now. So it’s a perfect time to bring it into the postseason.”
A good start before the postseason won’t necessarily translate to October games, but Glasnow feels a trust in his body that he can take with him.
“I think each start is kind of its own thing. But it is encouraging to feel good these last two and just feel strong and healthy. And I can take that into the postseason for sure,” the pitcher said.
The Dodgers need their starting pitcher to deliver in October, and the last piece of the puzzle, Glasnow, looks ready to do just that.
