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Tyler Glasnow has a flexor tendon strain and a partially torn UCL, causing the Tampa Bay Rays to put him on the injured list, per multiple reports. Glasnow will attempt rest and rehab rather than surgical intervention at this time.
Glasnow, 27, has had a breakout year for the Rays, putting up a 2.66 ERA and 2.75 FIP in 88 innings over 14 starts so far this year. His 123 strikeouts on the year are second in the American League. His performance has been a significant factor in the Rays having the best record in baseball currently.
Glasnow left his start yesterday due to what was described at the time as elbow inflammation. An MRI today revealed the damage to his elbow.
While there will no doubt be those who criticize the decision by Glasnow to rehab the injury rather than immediately undergo Tommy John surgery, the rest and rehab route could allow him to potentially return for the Rays at playoff time. If he underwent Tommy John surgery now, he would not return until late in 2022 at the earliest, and could miss the entire season, whereas trying rehab first and undergoing surgery if that doesn’t work would mean missing all of 2022 but being back for 2023. Given the timing, it makes sense for Glasgow to try to avoid surgery for now.