CLEVELAND — As Tyler Glasnow worked through the mundane year-plus rehab from August 2021 Tommy John elbow surgery — where progress is incremental and timetables aren’t discussed — the idea of returning to pitch in this year’s playoffs was a motivating thought.
“I think that was always the ultimate goal,” Glasnow said Friday. “I think early on that wasn’t really in the cards. Then progression was good and I had a lot of really good people with me, like trainers and coaches and everything, and the timing felt good.
“So now I’m here ready to pitch in the postseason.”
Just in time to save the day for the Rays.
With Friday’s 2-1 loss in the opening game of the best-of-three American League wild-card series, Glasnow will have not only the ball, but the chance to keep the Rays’ season alive in his large right hand as his makes his third start since his return to the majors.
In typical Glasnow style, he said the circumstances won’t impact him.
When the Rays set up the rotation for him to pitch Game 2, it would be either with a chance to advance or keep their season alive.
“I’m, like, aware of the situation,” he said before Friday’s game. “I just think for me — I always give the boring answer — but it’s just like I’m trying to just approach it like another game. My five-day (routine) has been the exact same. When I get on the mound, it allows for the emotions to stay the same. I’m glad ... they have faith in me in that situation.”
After the loss, Glasnow said his perspective is no different now that it’s the more dire scenario: “I’m good to go.”
In his first start back, against the Guardians Sept. 28 at Progressive Field, Glasnow delivered three solid innings, allowing one run. Monday in Boston, he navigated a 27-pitch first inning to work 3 2/3 scoreless frames (missing the 12th out due to a wild pitch on strike three), throwing 62 pitches.
Saturday, the leash will be lengthened to give him five innings and 75-80 pitches.
“It’s remarkable that Glasnow has gone through this and not had a hiccup,” manager Kevin Cash said. “And it’s more that he’s harnessed everything in the zone and been extremely competitive.”
Between how good Glasnow has looked, his approach and his experience being in the postseason spotlight in 2019-20 (he missed last year’s postseason due to his injury), his Rays mates feel pretty good to have him pitching when it matters most.
“I think anybody would feel really good with Tyler Glasnow on the mound,” Friday starter Shane McClanahan said. “The guy’s a great person, he’s a leader, he’s a workhorse. I’m sure you guys know that. It’s going to be fun to watch him do his thing.”
Catcher Francisco Mejia, via team interpreter Manny Navarro, said Glasnow is “going to be a big piece.” Third baseman Yandy Diaz, also via Navarro, added, “The confidence is 1,000 percent. The only thing we need to do is score more runs.”
Glasnow can’t help with that. Otherwise, he will do everything he can. Just as he planned.
“It’s nice just to be able to work hard and get back in the postseason, just help my team out and not just be around just in practice mode,” he said. “It’s nice to be actually able to contribute to the team.”
