Tyler Glasnow’s Injury and the Team Meeting That Revitalized the Dodgers’ Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite being favorites to win the World Series at the start of the 2024 season, faced significant challenges due to a plethora of injuries, particularly to their pitching staff. One of the most critical blows came when starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow was ruled out for the remainder of the season and postseason due to an elbow injury.

Glasnow, who had been a key figure for the Dodgers, recording career-highs in starts and strikeouts before his injury, was initially expected to return for the postseason. However, the confirmation that he would not be available had a profound impact on the team’s morale. This led to a pivotal team meeting called by manager Dave Roberts in mid-September, during a series against the Atlanta Braves.

According to outfielder Teoscar Hernández, the meeting was a turning point for the team. Hernández recalled that the team was feeling down due to the numerous injuries, but the meeting helped them realize their potential and believe in themselves. “One meeting changed everything. Then we realized that we have the potential, that we have the players, that we’re still the Dodgers and we can do special things with the people we have healthy throughout the year,” Hernández said.

The meeting’s impact was immediate, as the Dodgers went on to win the next two games against the Braves after losing the first two. This momentum carried forward, helping the Dodgers advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and position themselves one win away from the World Series.

Despite the loss of Glasnow and other key pitchers, the Dodgers have adapted by employing a bullpen game strategy, which involves rotating multiple relievers rather than relying on a traditional starting pitcher. This approach has been necessitated by the absence of talented starters like Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Gavin Stone.