The Los Angeles Dodgers are nearing full strength in their pitching rotation as they face the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, returning from a right shoulder injury that sidelined him during May and June, will take the mound for the second game of their three-game series in Cincinnati. This outing marks Glasnow’s third start since his recovery as the Dodgers look to stabilize their pitching ahead of the season’s critical stretch.
Recent Dodgers Performance Builds Momentum
In Monday’s series opener at Cincinnati, the Dodgers managed a 5-2 win against the Reds, narrowly escaping a bases-loaded threat in the ninth inning. This victory evened their record to 2-2 during a challenging nine-game road trip spanning matches against the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays across three cities. The Dodgers had struggled on the road in Cincinnati in previous seasons, but this win signaled a breakthrough against the Reds this year.
Former Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux, who now plays for Cincinnati, reflected on facing his former team.
“A lot of really good players over there. A lot of guys that I have a lot of respect for and love a lot. It’s fun getting in the lineup against them and being on the other side of it. It was fun,”
Lux said about his experience playing against the Dodgers. —Gavin Lux, Infielder
Glasnow’s Role and Recent Starts in Focus
Glasnow will be pitching against a Reds team riding momentum, despite their recent loss. Cincinnati remains competitive in the National League wild-card race and poses a significant challenge. Glasnow’s recent start was his best this season, where he pitched seven innings, gave up only one run on three hits, struck out 12 batters, and walked just one, though he received a no-decision in a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins.
Over his career, Glasnow has faced the Reds 12 times, including three starts, holding a 1-2 record with a 4.55 ERA in those appearances, making his upcoming outing a pivotal opportunity to improve on those numbers.
Rotation Stability Boosted by Returning Starters
With Glasnow’s return, the Dodgers’ rotation is shaping up to be more consistent. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted that comfort is growing as more pitchers return.
“(We’re) kind of trying to stabilize some things in the ‘pen. But I think with the starters, (it’s) encouraging,”
Roberts said regarding the current pitching staff.
Alongside Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani is slated to pitch Wednesday, Clayton Kershaw is scheduled for Friday’s game in Tampa, and Blake Snell is expected to make his third start of the season for the Dodgers this weekend. Snell has faced challenges due to left shoulder inflammation, and both he and Glasnow have missed significant time, putting more pressure on others to carry the load.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who started Monday’s winning game, has been a key contributor to the Dodgers’ staff. With a 9-7 record and a 2.48 ERA, ranking third-best in the National League, Yamamoto has helped steady the rotation.
“It’s good to see him get back. He was kind of middling for a bit there, (he’s back) to being the dominant pitcher that we know he can be,”
Roberts noted about Yamamoto’s recent performance.
Reds Counter with Nick Lodolo’s Strong Form
The Cincinnati Reds will respond with left-hander Nick Lodolo, who holds an 8-6 record and a 3.08 ERA. Lodolo will be making his 22nd start of the season and his first career start against the Dodgers. He recently pitched a shutout against the Washington Nationals, allowing just four hits, striking out eight, and issuing no walks during Cincinnati’s 5-0 victory. Lodolo also became the first Reds pitcher to record multiple complete games since Trevor Bauer in 2020, underscoring his value to the team.
Outlook for Dodgers’ Pitching Depth and Upcoming Series
With the rotation strengthening thanks to the return of key starters like Glasnow and Snell, the Dodgers have reason for cautious optimism as they continue their demanding road trip. The pitching staff’s ability to maintain consistency will be crucial for the Dodgers as they pursue more wins against playoff contenders, including the Reds and Rays. How Glasnow performs tonight could significantly impact the Dodgers’ momentum as they approach the midseason stretch with hopes of securing a strong postseason position.