The Dodgers can cope without Ohtani, and Glasnow is giving Roberts reason to smile

The Los Angeles Dodgers were ready to wait for Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow gave them an immediate reason for confidence. Glasnow recorded a quality start-plus in only his second game back, bringing relief to a team that had expected to see Ohtani return against the Detroit Tigers.

Ohtani had been scheduled to take the mound on Aug. 31 at Comerica Park in Detroit. He had been out of the starting rotation since July 4 because of continuing knee pain and had been working through bullpen sessions before the planned return.

That comeback did not happen. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said there was no need to force Ohtani to pitch, a comment that suggested the club remained comfortable proceeding cautiously with its two-way star.

Glasnow’s performance softened the impact of Ohtani’s absence. His strong outing in his second game back allowed the Dodgers to maintain momentum while waiting for Ohtani’s next opportunity to return.

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There is no need to push him to pitch.