Tyler Glasnow injury: Details, potential date of return and impact on Rays 2023 prospects explored

Spring Training has only been underway for a few days, yet the Tampa Bay Rays are already experiencing a setback as starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow suffers an oblique injury. The 29-year-old starter suffered the oblique injury during a bullpen session, which may cause him to miss the beginning of the regular season.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters:

"I talked to him this morning. Typical soreness, bothers him to sneeze, cough, whatever."

This hinted that his 6-foot-8 star would miss the beginning of the season. The team said Tyler Glasnow is set to undergo an MRI on Tuesday. He will likely be sidelined for four weeks at a minimum given his injury track record and the potential severity of the injury.

"Tyler Glasnow reportedly suffered an oblique injury during live BP today and is expected to miss time, via @TBTimes_Rays" - Talkin' Baseball

The news is devastating for Glasnow, who was able to pitch in two regular-season games and one playoff game last season after recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Injuries have derailed Glasnow's career to this point, because when he is healthy, he is among the best pitchers in the league, with Cy Young potential.

Who will replace Tyler Glasnow in the rotation while he is sidelined?

Even though the news is obviously not what anyone wanted, it may open the door for some of the Tampa Bay Rays' young pitchers. Josh Fleming and Luis Patino may be the immediate beneficiaries of the rotation opening. They will both be competing for the vacant spot in the MLB rotation, with Yonny Chirinos also emerging as a potential replacement.

"Crossing fingers that Tyler's oblique injury is a minor one. With 2 off days in April, #Rays will need a 5th SP. Rotation as a result if Tyler's out that month?1 Shane McClanahan, 2 Zach Eflin, 3 Jeffrey Springs, 4 Drew Rasmussen, 5 Yonny Chirinos (or Luis Patino), (con'd)" - Mat Germain

A look at Glasnow's MLB career with Tampa Bay so far

Glasnow, who was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, was acquired by Tampa Bay in a franchise-altering deal. The Rays traded Chris Archer to the Pirates in exchange for Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow, also a player to be named later, who became Shane Baz.

"JUST IN: Tampa Bay #Rays trade RHP Chris Archer to the Pittsburgh #Pirates for a package that includes RHP Tyler Glasnow and OF Austin Meadows, according to multiple reports http://tsn.ca/1.1150861 #MLBTradeDeadline" - SportsCentre

In 50 career starts for the Rays, Glasnow is 17-9 with a 3.05 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.00 WHIP, and 364 strikeouts in 268 1/3 innings.