Tyler Glasnow Blames MLB’s New Substance Rules For Injury

Tampa Bay Rays star pitcher Tyler Glasnow received crushing news when it was revealed on Tuesday that he has suffered a partially-torn UCL that will likely keep him out for the season.

#Rays Glasnow update:
Glasnow underwent a MRI this morning in Chicago, which revealed a partial UCL tear as well as flexor strain. A timeline for his return will be determined after further medical evaluation.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 15, 2021

When speaking on his injury, Tyler Glasnow lashed out at the MLB for their new rules which prohibit pitchers from putting any sort of substance on the ball. Prior to the new rules, Glasnow said he used sunscreen mixed with rosin to get a better grip on the ball.

According to the Tampa Bay ace, having to make an adjustments mid-season played a role in him getting hurt.

#Rays Tyler Glasnow said he uses sunscreen and rosin to grip ball. With MLB directives starting, he went “cold turkey” against Nats, struck out 11. But he was hurting after. He tore UCL Mon night. Out for a while. He’s angry, frustrated.

— Joey Johnston (@joeyjohnston813) June 15, 2021

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Tyler Glasnow would elaborate on how having to change his routine may have resulted in him having to sit out for an extended period of time.

Glasnow: “In my mind that sounds dumb. That sounds like an excuse a player would use to make sure he could use sticky stuff. I threw to the Nats…I did well. I woke up the next day and I was sore in places I didn’t even know I had muscles in.”

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 15, 2021

Glasnow: “Sunscreen and rosin is apparently the same as Spider Tack. Alright I guess I’ll adapt and learn. And the only thing I learned was that it hurts to throw a ball in the middle of the season, from having something to not having something.”

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 15, 2021

Glasnow: “Do it in the offseason. Give us a chance to adjust to it. But I just threw 80 innings, then you tell me I can't use anything in the middle of the year. I have to change everything I’ve been doing the entire season. I'm telling you I truly believe that’s why I got hurt.”

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 15, 2021

Tyler Glasnow would also say that he had to completely change his grips, and that now he was forced to, “choke the sh-t’ out of his pitches.

I see where Glasnow is coming from in some ways. Sunscreen isn’t necessarily what the MLB should be prohibiting. It’s not the same as pine tar, spider tack, or other foreign substances that create a ton more spin on the ball. It was likely pretty hard for Tyler to get used to throwing a dry ball.

But on the flip side, I’m also not sure how much that really played a role in his injury. I get it, the guy was having a great year on a great team, and it sucks to have to go down for the whole year. But he comes off like a guy who’s now looking for someone to blame. I’m sure when the dust settles, Glasnow will focus his attention on his recovery.

Hopefully the Rays continue to win at an impressive rate, and we can see Tyler Glasnow pitching big games this October.

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