Dodgers Adjust Rotation as Glasnow Returns, Ohtani Nears Comeback

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making significant moves to their pitching staff as they gear up for the postseason. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow is set to be activated from the injured list and will start Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports. This will be Glasnow's first major league start since May 6, following a 3 1/2-month absence due to back problems.

Glasnow, 32, impressed in his rehab starts, including a dominant outing where he carried a shutout into the sixth inning, striking out eight in 67 pitches. He threw 54 of 77 pitches for strikes, averaged 95.5 mph on his fastball, and generated 12 swinging strikes. He also showcased his velocity in a separate 47-pitch session, sitting 94-98 mph while allowing just one hit and no hard-hit balls. According to one report, Glasnow will not be on a specific pitch count Tuesday, having thrown 77 pitches in his last rehab start.

The return of Glasnow means a role change for left-hander Eric Lauer, who has posted a 7-1 record since joining the Dodgers in a May trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. Lauer will be moved to the bullpen, where he will serve as a multi-inning option and provide a "piggyback" role for Shohei Ohtani as the two-way star eases back into pitching. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the move, which comes despite Lauer's success—he had a 2.76 ERA through his penultimate start in 2025 while with Toronto and did not allow a run over his final 8.2 postseason innings, including 5.2 scoreless innings against the Dodgers in the World Series.

The decision, while seemingly surprising given Lauer's numbers, is not unprecedented for the Dodgers. Last year, when Glasnow returned from injury, right-hander Ben Casparius shifted to the bullpen. In 2025, Clayton Kershaw and Roki Sasaki also worked as relievers in October, despite Sasaki signing as a starter and Kershaw posting a 3.36 ERA. The Dodgers are aiming to become the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to win three consecutive World Series titles.

Ohtani's Return on the Horizon

Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound is drawing closer. Ohtani took a significant step Saturday at Dodger Stadium, throwing 30 pitches in six simulated plate appearances against catcher Will Smith, who is rehabbing from a neck injury. Roberts said Ohtani will throw one more bullpen session during the team's road trip, likely in Atlanta, before the team decides whether he needs to face live hitters again.

Ohtani, who has not started since July 3 due to left knee discomfort, has remained in the lineup as the designated hitter. Because of his importance as the leadoff hitter, a minor league rehab assignment is not possible. Instead, the Dodgers plan to follow the template they used last season, with Ohtani expected to pitch one inning upon his return and progressively add innings, similar to a spring training buildup. Roberts acknowledged the possibility of Ohtani reaching five innings by October, saying, "In theory, yeah."

The Dodgers are set to begin a nine-game homestand on Sept. 1 against the Cardinals, Nationals, and Reds, and Ohtani could begin his buildup then. If the Dodgers finish among the top two teams in the National League, they will start the NLDS on Oct. 3; otherwise, the wild-card round begins Sept. 29.

Roberts emphasized that Glasnow's return and Lauer's move to the bullpen provide a "softer landing" for Ohtani, who can be eased back without pressure.

Other Roster News

The Dodgers also have updates on several other players. Will Smith will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. He was batting .249 with six home runs and 23 RBIs before his injury. Outfielder Andy Pages underwent a surgical procedure on his left hand after fracturing it on a hit-by-pitch Friday; his return timetable remains four to five weeks.

Reliever Edwin Diaz reported that his neck inflammation has subsided and he is working on raising his arm slot. Diaz has struggled this season with an 11.85 ERA in 16 appearances and four blown saves.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers' rotation is regaining health at a crucial time. With Glasnow back, Lauer in the bullpen, and Ohtani close to returning, Los Angeles appears to be positioning itself for another deep postseason run. As one report noted, the rotation is beginning to resemble the front office's "dream scenario," with a mix of established starters and versatile arms ready for the challenges ahead.