The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to welcome back a key member of their starting rotation, with manager Dave Roberts confirming on Monday that right-hander Tyler Glasnow will return to the mound Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers. The decision comes as the team grapples with multiple roster adjustments, including a notable injury to veteran utilityman Enrique Hernández.

Glasnow has been sidelined since April 28 due to right shoulder inflammation, an issue that forced him to exit his last major league appearance before completing the second inning. “He just felt discomfort warming up and that was enough to shut it down,” Roberts said. The setback led to Glasnow being moved to the 60-day injured list after his recovery timeline was extended.

Now, more than two months later, the Dodgers believe Glasnow is ready to contribute again. His return comes on the heels of a promising minor-league rehab stint. Last Thursday, Glasnow threw 78 pitches across 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City, showing no signs of discomfort.

“He came out of it healthy, no setbacks, and that was the final box we needed checked,” Roberts explained.

The 6-foot-8 right-hander, who will turn 32 on August 23, has pitched in just five games this season. Over those appearances, Glasnow has compiled a 4.50 ERA, recording 23 strikeouts and issuing 11 walks across 18 innings. While those numbers are modest, the Dodgers are hopeful he can recapture the form that saw him set career highs last year with 22 starts and 134 innings pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Glasnow’s injury history remains a lingering concern. Prior to 2023, he had never made more than 14 starts in a single MLB season. His career was interrupted in 2021 by Tommy John surgery, and durability has been a question ever since.

With Glasnow now reentering the rotation, the Dodgers will shift Dustin May’s scheduled start from Wednesday to Friday against the San Francisco Giants. May, another pitcher with a history of injury interruptions, is being managed cautiously as the team seeks to stabilize a rotation riddled with setbacks.

While Glasnow's return provides a boost to the starting staff, the Dodgers’ roster continues to face challenges, particularly on the offensive side. As part of a series of roster moves announced Monday, the club placed Enrique Hernández on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left elbow.

Hernández, 33, has been struggling at the plate this season, slashing .195/.259/.367 in 186 plate appearances. He has hit eight home runs, driven in 22 RBIs, and added five doubles. However, Roberts acknowledged that Hernández has been dealing with discomfort in his non-throwing elbow for about a month, which may have contributed to his offensive struggles.

Despite his batting woes, Hernández has maintained value through his exceptional versatility. This season alone, he’s appeared at six different positions—first base (26 games), left field (20), second base (18), third base (10), center field (7), and even five relief pitching appearances in lopsided games.

“He’s always been willing to do whatever the team needs. He’s pitched in blowouts just to preserve arms. That’s the kind of guy he is,” Roberts said.

On the mound, Hernández has allowed nine runs, 11 hits, and eight walks in just 5 1/3 innings, registering one strikeout. While his performances haven’t been effective, his willingness to step in during tough situations has been appreciated.

Taking Hernández’s place on the roster is outfielder James Outman, who returns from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Outman has struggled to find consistency during his limited MLB stints this season, slashing .125/.222/.375 with two home runs and four RBIs in nine games. However, his performance in Triple-A has been a different story—he’s hitting .289 with a 970 OPS, 20 homers, 20 doubles, 74 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 333 plate appearances.

“He’s been swinging it well down there,” said Roberts. “We’re hoping he can carry that confidence into his time with us.”

The Dodgers also made changes in the bullpen. Right-handed reliever Julian Fernández has been called up from Triple-A, where he has posted a 4.08 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings. In a corresponding move, left-hander Justin Wrobleski was optioned back to Oklahoma City. Wrobleski has appeared in eight games this season (including two starts) and has the same 4.08 ERA as Fernández, with 40 strikeouts across 40 innings.

Additionally, infielder CJ Alexander was designated for assignment just four days after the Dodgers claimed him off waivers from the New York Yankees. The move clears space on the 40-man roster, likely in preparation for Glasnow’s activation.

The Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff face an ongoing balancing act as they navigate a season filled with injuries, underperformance, and constant roster juggling. Still, Glasnow’s return marks a potentially pivotal moment in the team's campaign, especially with postseason ambitions on the horizon.

As Roberts put it: “It’s great to have Tyler back. When he’s right, he can change a game. We’ll be smart with how we use him, but having him out there again is a big lift.”