The Los Angeles Dodgers activated right-hander Tyler Glasnow from the injured list ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, marking his first start since May 6. Meanwhile, two-way star Shohei Ohtani is progressing toward a potential return to the rotation by the end of the week, according to team and league reports.
Glasnow’s return and Ohtani’s timeline represent the latest steps in the Dodgers’ efforts to restore their starting rotation to full strength. Glasnow, who had been sidelined since early May with back spasms, allowed three runs in the first inning of his return but escaped further damage to secure the start. Ohtani, who last pitched on July 3 due to a knee issue, has thrown two bullpen sessions in August and could make his first start as early as Sunday against the Detroit Tigers.
The Dodgers’ rotation now includes Glasnow, Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, with Ohtani’s return expected to restore the team’s preferred six-man rotation. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned reliever Paul Gervase to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make roster space.
Glasnow’s return follows a prolonged recovery that included multiple setbacks. He made 13.2 scoreless innings in three minor-league rehab appearances, striking out 20 batters, before his Tuesday start. Prior to his injury, Glasnow had posted a 2.72 ERA in seven starts, striking out 49 batters in 39.2 innings. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior emphasized Glasnow’s impact, stating before the game that his raw stuff could surpass the team’s existing talent when healthy.
Ohtani, meanwhile, has been limited by a knee injury that required a lubricant injection and a subsequent minor biceps issue. Despite missing the All-Star Game, he had been the Dodgers’ most effective starter before his injury, posting a 1.79 ERA in four starts while striking out 95 batters in 85.2 innings. His return would add depth to a rotation that has managed with five starters in his absence.
The Dodgers fell 4-3 to the Braves in Glasnow’s first start back, ending a six-game winning streak. Glasnow allowed four hits in the first inning but escaped with minimal damage, including a successful Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge to help end the frame. The loss did not overshadow the significance of Glasnow’s return or the progress of Ohtani’s recovery, both of which are critical to the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.