SAN FRANCISCO — The Dodgers consistently promote Yoshinobu Yamamoto as a strong candidate for the Cy Young award, and indeed, each of his outings, including his recent start on Tuesday, has met the criteria for a quality start.
Similarly, Shohei Ohtani is frequently mentioned by the Dodgers as a Cy Young hopeful, having surrendered only one run throughout the entire season. He delivered six scoreless innings during Wednesday’s game at this venue.
However, it was Tyler Glasnow who truly shone, delivering the most impressive performance of the series against the San Francisco Giants and single-handedly preventing what would have been an embarrassing sweep for the Dodgers.
This marked one key narrative from an eventful day at the stadium, culminating in a crucial 3-0 win for the Dodgers. On this same day, the team unveiled a different cleanup batter and a new closer, while also witnessing a Giants player strongly criticize a Dodgers player for a “dirty” maneuver.
A touch of animosity can often reignite a fading rivalry, injecting renewed vigor.
The new cleanup hitter was Kyle Tucker, who, after his batting average dipped to .233, was moved from the second to the fourth spot in the batting order. He sparked a two-run surge in the fourth inning with a double, marking his first multi-hit game in over two weeks.
As for the closer, it was Tanner Scott, aligning with the Dodgers’ initial intentions from the previous year. Following Glasnow’s impressive eight-inning, one-hit shutout performance, Scott stepped into the first save opportunity since Edwin Díaz, the former closer, underwent elbow surgery. Scott boasts a remarkable 0.84 ERA this season, including a flawless ninth inning on Thursday that secured what could be the first of many saves this year.
It’s worth recalling that the Dodgers (17-8) had previously signed him to a $72 million contract last season, envisioning him as their closer, though he subsequently lost that role and did not participate in the postseason.
“It was a dreadful experience,” he commented. “However, I’ve put it behind me.”
The controversial, “dirty” play unfolded as the second part of a two-act drama during the sixth inning.
Tuesday’s footage captured Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing murmuring remarks after glancing back at the Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee, who appeared to be in pain following an unusual slide at home plate. Rushing, having tagged Lee out, was en route to the dugout when he paused to observe Lee on the ground before continuing on his way.
Rushing was absent from Wednesday’s game. Then, on Thursday, during his third at-bat, Rushing was struck by a pitch delivered by San Francisco’s starting pitcher, Logan Webb.
Webb evaded inquiries regarding whether the pitch served as retaliation for the incident involving Rushing and Lee.
“What happened with Jung Hoo?” Webb questioned. His only description of the throw was “fastball, inside.”
Rushing stated: “I enjoy reaching base. Whatever method achieves that. If it was deliberate, I’ll accept it. I’ll face what comes to me. I’ve resolved any misunderstandings about the situation. I’ve confirmed that Jung Hoo is well and healthy.”
Afterward, when the subsequent batter, Hyeseong Kim, hit a ground ball to second baseman Luis Arraez, Rushing raised his hands and slid wide of the base in an attempt to disrupt shortstop Willy Adames’s execution of a double play.
The umpire at second base gestured towards Rushing and awarded the double play to the Giants. The first-base umpire, however, determined that the Giants had completed the double play regardless, as Adames’s throw successfully beat Kim to first.
“In my opinion, that’s not proper baseball,” Arraez commented. “It’s unsportsmanlike.”
Rushing clarified that his slide was unrelated to being hit by the pitch.
“I learned that technique in college,” he explained. “That’s the approach you typically take, particularly with a fast runner like Hyeseong following me. You don’t stray several feet away from the base. You remain within body length and aim to disrupt the double play. I harbored no ill will towards any of those players.”
Was Dodgers manager Dave Roberts convinced that Webb’s pitch was deliberate?
“Most likely,” Roberts responded. “In my view, he [Rushing] uttered his words. I don’t believe he intended it as a personal affront. But when it’s seen, and social media picks it up, Webb, being a traditional player, is safeguarding his teammates. I have no issue with that.”
Roberts stated that he perceived nothing improper about Rushing’s slide.
“I appreciate that as well,” Roberts remarked. “That’s just part of baseball. You’re going to get hit. Webb, as we know, possesses excellent control. I understand it. They’ll undoubtedly deny it. I admire his aggressive slide. No issue there. It wasn’t directed at Adames, but he slid aggressively, and they still completed the double play. That’s solid baseball — tenacious, competitive baseball.”
Ultimately, it was winning baseball, leading to a pleasant journey home after a rather unremarkable road trip. The Dodgers concluded their 3-4 series of games in Colorado and San Francisco, against teams predicted to occupy the lowest two positions in the National League West standings. Their next challenge: the Chicago Cubs, currently riding a nine-game winning streak.
Over his eight innings, Glasnow confronted only one batter beyond the minimum required. The sole hit he surrendered was a single. He recorded nine strikeouts, bringing his ERA to 2.45, just ahead of Yamamoto’s 2.48.
Roberts suggested that Glasnow’s developing maturity—specifically his capacity to navigate and overcome difficulties—positions him as a legitimate contender for the Cy Young award.
“From my perspective, he’ll now be part of that discussion,” Roberts commented. “And I believe, for me, that was the crucial element. You understand you won’t feel perfect every time you pitch. There will be pressure, circumstances beyond your control, and you must be able to handle them. I think he’s now mentally prepared to do so.”
One notable achievement still eludes Glasnow. The Dodgers determined that 105 pitches, a season-high for a pitcher prone to injuries, was sufficient at this early stage of the season.
Nevertheless, this particular game presented a significant opportunity for him: across 133 major league and 130 minor league starts, he has never completed a full nine-inning game.
“That,” Glasnow stated, “would be incredible.”