Tampa Bay Rays Get Bad News On Tyler Glasnow MRI

The Tampa Bay Rays were hoping it was something minor, unfortunately, the MRI said otherwise. Tyler Glasnow has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

Official word from #Rays on Glasnow: MRI showed Grade 2 left oblique strain. His timeline to return to game action is 6-8 weeks.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 28, 2023

The Rays' top-flight starter will be out for about 6-to-8 weeks. The team's rotation takes another tough blow, as it'll already be without top prospect Shane Baz, who's recovering from Tommy John surgery this season.

Options for Glasnow's replacement over the next couple of months include Yonny Chirinos, Josh Fleming, Luis Patiño, or top prospect Taj Bradley. 

It's been a rough stretch for the 6'8" Glasnow, who made just two abbreviated starts late last year after Tommy John surgery during the 2021 season. Up till that point, he was a Cy Young contender, with a 2.66 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 123 strikeouts across 88 innings. 

During his TJ recovery, in March 2022, he had arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle. 

The 29-year-old has a 17-9 record with a 3.05 ERA in five seasons with the Rays, and will, whenever he returns, form a dynamic 1-2 punch in the rotation with Shane McClanahan.

Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports