Dodgers prepare for Tyler Glasnow return early next week against Atlanta

Tyler Glasnow is expected to be back in the Dodgers’ rotation early next week, with manager Dave Roberts telling reporters, including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, that the right-hander will rejoin the club for a series against the Braves. The return matters for Los Angeles because Glasnow’s absence has left the staff thinner and has forced more innings from other starters and swing options across a long late-season run.

Glasnow has missed more than three months with a back injury. He has been on the 60-day injured list since June, a timeframe that typically indicates a recovery process measured in weeks rather than days. Dodgers roster and usage decisions for the final portion of the regular season often depend on when a pitcher can be safely reintroduced, and Glasnow’s timing suggests the team believes he is ready to begin contributing again.

The immediate logistical question for the Dodgers has been whether a roster move would be required. According to the report, the Dodgers currently have an opening on the 40-man roster, so no corresponding transaction was expected as things stand. That distinction is important because a return from the IL can trigger corresponding moves, and keeping the roster stable can preserve flexibility for future needs such as additional bullpen depth or a late call-up.

Roberts’ remarks also touched on Shohei Ohtani, noting that Ohtani took a step forward in his recovery. While the report does not provide details on the timeline beyond that general update, any positive progression for a two-way centerpiece affects how a club plans the rest of its schedule, both in terms of roster roles and bullpen workload while managing uncertainty.

For the Braves series itself, Los Angeles will be managing matchups with an opponent that can pressure a pitching staff with disciplined at-bats and speed up and down the lineup. Bringing Glasnow back for a game stretch that could carry postseason implications means the Dodgers are counting on his ability to get key outs and provide something closer to a normal starter’s cadence after a long absence.

The team’s next step will be to verify readiness in the days after he reports, as a return from a long IL stint can come with limits on pitch volume or intensity during the first outing. As late-season rotations tighten, the Dodgers will also be watching how their other starters and leveraged bullpen arms hold up, especially if Glasnow’s reintroduction requires ramping rather than immediate full workloads.

What to watch next is confirmation of the specific activation timing and Glasnow’s first game assignment, along with any corresponding adjustments to the rest of the rotation. Even with a roster opening on the 40-man side, the in-season rhythm of five starters and multiple bullpen roles will ultimately determine how much impact Glasnow can have right away.