"I got hurt.. I'm frustrated they don't understand how hard it is": When Tyler Glasnow was angry over MLB's grip restrictions affecting pitcher safety
When the MLB cracked down on pitchers using foreign substances in 2021, Tyler Glasnow was not a fan. He, like many other big-league pitchers, wants as much grip as he can get, and a rosin bag just does not cut it.
Pitchers were checked often that season, like they are now, and it was a huge adjustment for some. It changed the way some pitchers pitched, and Glasnow believes it led to his UCL injury in 2021.
Glasnow spoke with MLB reporter Tricia Whitaker about the crackdown and the frustrations that came with it.
"The whole day yesterday, I'm sitting there trying to get a grip on a ball. And I'm not trying to blame anyone, I'm not trying to say, like, 'Oh, this is all MLB's fault.' Like, they got thrown into the situation too," said Glasnow.
During a June 15th start against the Chicago White Sox, Glasnow heard a pop, leading to a partially torn UCL. That ultimately led to undergoing Tommy John late into the 2021 season.
"I had to change everything I've been doing the entire season. Everything out the window. I have to start doing something completely new. And then I'm telling you, I truly believe that's why I got hurt," said Glasnow.
"I'm just frustrated that they don't understand how hard it is to pitch one, but to tell us to do something completely different in the middle of a season is insane. It's ridiculous. There has to be some give and take."
Glasnow would go on to miss the remainder of the 2021 season and most of the 2022 season as well.
Tyler Glasnow's arm injuries have become a problem for him
Tyler Glasnow was missing for the Los Angeles Dodgers during their magical postseason run. He had sprained his elbow in August and could not get healthy enough to help his club in the playoffs.
Fortunately, L.A. had the talent to overcome losing one of their frontline starters. However, all eyes will be on him next season as he tries to stay healthy throughout the year.
Glasnow has reported that he feels that his elbow has fully healed up, which is a great sign. He is a pitcher with loads of talent, and it would be a shame to see him run into constant arm issues like Stephen Strasburg did.