Tyler Glasnow embraces a flexible role, fueled by high-leverage adrenaline and a simplified routine to anchor the Los Angeles Dodgers’ staff in the postseason.
With the National League West title already secured, the Los Angeles Dodgers can turn their attention toward determining how manager Dave Roberts will structure his rotation for the postseason.
Several pitchers already appear settled into their roles. Roki Sasaki and Justin Wrobleski have transitioned to the bullpen, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell will remain starters.
Tyler Glasnow’s role in postseason
The uncertainty involves Tyler Glasnow, the likely fourth starter. He has handled several different responsibilities during his postseason career and could provide Roberts with another flexible option.
During a conversation with Chris Rose from Jomboy Media, Glasnow explained the biggest differences between starting and working from the bullpen, along with why he believes he can succeed in either role.
As a starter, Glasnow spends the entire day preparing for his appearance. He experiences some nerves before taking the mound but gradually settles into the game.
The bullpen creates a more volatile experience. Glasnow must wait for the phone to ring without knowing exactly when he will be needed. Because the routine remains relatively unfamiliar, he must determine how quickly to warm up and prepare his arm.
“I think the only the biggest difference I noticed was like the adrenaline within the game is a bit different as a starter, you kind of have that, like, all day you’re preparing, and then you go into it, and it’s like a little bit of nerves before, and then you settle in as the game goes on in the bullpen,” Glasnow said.
“It’s more like just more volatile, I guess, because the phone will ring. You’re like, it’s new. I’m down there, and it feels a little weird. And then, like, the phone gets up, and you’re like, how do I warm up? I get a weighted ball. And like the feeling of warming up, you have more adrenaline than you do before a game.”
Glasnow’s mindset
Glasnow said the process of warming up as a reliever produces more adrenaline than preparing for a start.
Going from a bullpen phone call to pitching in front of 50,000 fans during a high-leverage postseason situation does not require much additional effort for the 11-year veteran.
Glasnow keeps himself ready by using weighted balls and remaining physically active in the bullpen. He recalled Game 6 of last year’s World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, when he needed only approximately four or five warm-up pitches before feeling prepared.
The adrenaline surrounding the situation helped his body become ready quickly, and Glasnow generally does not require an extensive warm-up routine.
“Nothing. In the postseason? Yeah, no, because I’m throwing weighted balls before, too, and, like, getting my arm moving and, like, you’re consistently moving around,” Glasnow explained.
“Last year in the World Series at Game 6, when I probably threw like four or five pitches and then like you’re just you’re good to go. There’s s**t coursing through your veins, you know what I mean? Like you got the adrenaline going. You only need, like, too much warm-up for me anyway.”
The Dodgers are likely to secure a bye through the Wild Card Round, giving them additional time to determine their pitching order for the National League Division Series.
If Roberts chooses a four-man rotation, Glasnow will likely receive the final spot. If Los Angeles reduces the rotation to three starters, the 33-year-old Newhall native appears willing to return to the bullpen if that helps him win another World Series.
Glasnow’s value
Glasnow’s ability to overpower hitters while adapting to different assignments is unmatched.
His arsenal can dominate during a traditional start, but it can become even more difficult to handle during a shorter appearance when he can pitch with maximum intensity.
He also possesses the experience to manage postseason adrenaline without allowing it to disrupt his execution. That composure matters when a reliever enters with little warning and no opportunity to ease into the game.
Glasnow’s willingness to accept either role gives Roberts another way to construct the Dodgers’ staff. Whether starting or relieving, he can provide the power, confidence and flexibility Los Angeles needs in October.
