The Tampa Bay Rays revealed devastating news on Tuesday. Right-hander and Cy Young candidate Tyler Glasnow has suffered a partial UCL tear in his throwing elbow.
The partial tear was revealed after Glasnow underwent an MRI in Chicago on Tuesday. He was removed from Monday's start against the White Sox.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times was among those to relay the news, noting a “timeline for return” will be determined by the Rays after further evaluation.
#Rays Glasnow update:
Glasnow underwent a MRI this morning in Chicago, which revealed a partial UCL tear as well as flexor strain. A timeline for his return will be determined after further medical evaluation.— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 15, 2021
Typically, UCL tears often result in Tommy John surgery. However, Jeff Passan of ESPN iterated Glasnow and the Rays are hoping to avoid the procedure, which would cost the flamethrower the rest of 2021 and likely most of 2022.
Tampa Bay Rays ace Tyler Glasnow has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament and a flexor tendon strain. The plan for now is to try to rehab the injury to avoid Tommy John and eventually return, but it’s a brutal blow for Glasnow, who’s been phenomenal, and the MLB-best Rays.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 15, 2021
This is an absolutely devastating blow for the Rays, who entered Tuesday's slate of games with the best record in baseball.
Glasnow played a large role in Tampa Bay's early success. The 27-year-old had a 2.66 ERA and 0.93 WHIP through his first 14 starts, striking out 123 opponents in 88 innings. He was rapidly realizing his potential as one of the very best pitchers in baseball.
Glasnow's injury has multiple implications for the Rays. Tampa Bay loses its ace at the top of the rotation, which will put greater pressure on some of the young arms in the pipeline.
However, the injury could have greater ramifications in terms of how the Rays choose to proceed ahead of the July 30 deadline. There is also the potential reality Glasnow does in fact have to undergo Tommy John, which could then change how the Rays approach the offseason.
Injuries have been rampant throughout MLB this season. Rays fans can only hope their ace will be able to return sometime in 2021.
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