Dodgers Facing Tyler Glasnow Decision After Shohei Ohtani News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 8:46 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers feature one of MLB’s most talented rotations as the 2026 season approaches. While the team did not add any arms to the staff this past offseason, they did not need to.

Last year, the rotation guided Los Angeles to its second straight World Series title, and every major arm is returning, including Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow, who sit behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell on the depth chart yet would be frontline starters on nearly any other team.

Ohtani is entering his first full season as a true two‑way player after returning to the mound in June 2025, while Glasnow is preparing for his third year with the organization after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As Opening Day approaches, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been finalizing his rotation plans. Yamamoto has already been named the Opening Day starter, and Snell is not expected to be ready until late April at the earliest.

On Tuesday, Roberts announced Ohtani’s pitching schedule for the remainder of spring training. He shared that Ohtani will pitch Wednesday in Los Angeles’ Cactus League game, marking his first in‑game appearance of camp, and then again against the Los Angeles Angels in the final days of spring.

That schedule lines him up to start the second series of the year against the Cleveland Guardians, meaning he will not be available to pitch behind Yamamoto in the second game of the season (h/t Jack Harris of The California Post).

With that development, Roberts now has a decision to make regarding Glasnow and whether he will open the year as the Dodgers No. 2 starter. It would make sense for Glasnow to hold that spot given his track record is more impressive than any of the younger arms on Los Angeles’ 40‑man roster.

Ohtani will also pitch in one of next week’s Freeway Series games. That likely lines up his first regular season start for the second series of the year against Cleveland https://t.co/QATpmQu6Yt
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 17, 2026

Glasnow earned an All‑Star selection in 2024, his first year with the Dodgers, and even operated as the team’s ace during stretches of that season. Injuries have often interrupted his availability, but when he is on the mound, he remains one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Across 40 starts with the Dodgers, the 32‑year‑old has posted a 3.37 ERA, a 13‑9 record and 274 strikeouts in just 224 1/3 innings. With Opening Day nearing, Glasnow’s health and readiness could play a major role in how the Dodgers structure the top of their rotation to begin the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: