Dodgers beat Padres 8-7 on June 9, 2025, thanks to Andy Pages' heroics. But with Tyler Glasnow injured, can their pitching staff survive the mounting crisis?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The thrill of a dramatic, extra-inning victory over a bitter rival was tempered Tuesday by a cold, hard reality: the Dodgers' pitching staff is in crisis. Just as the team celebrated a gritty 8-7 win over the Padres to open a crucial series, the shadow of Tyler Glasnow's early exit from Sunday's game loomed large. With Glasnow's right shoulder now a major concern, the Dodgers enter tonight's game without a named starter, forcing them to rely on the very depth and resilience that won them Monday's nail-biter.
Andy Pages led off the 10th inning with an RBI double before scoring on Tommy Edman's single as the Dodgers secured an 8-7 victory over the Padres.
The bad news hit hard on Sunday. Ace Tyler Glasnow, the stalwart of the rotation, lasted just one inning against the Pirates before exiting with right shoulder discomfort. This is the last thing a team already navigating a minefield of pitching injuries needed. The immediate fallout is clear: heading into a pivotal Tuesday night game against the Padres in San Diego, the Dodgers have yet to announce a starting pitcher. This uncertainty puts immense pressure on the bullpen and the offense to carry the load against a tough division opponent.
Despite the grim pitching outlook, the Dodgers' bats showed up in a big way Monday night. In a back-and-forth slugfest, the team proved its mettle. After the Padres tied it late, rookie Andy Pages delivered the signature moment, lacing an RBI double to lead off the 10th and later scoring an insurance run on a Tommy Edman single. It was a complete team effort, with Will Smith launching a homer and driving in three, and Shohei Ohtani starting the fireworks with a 111-mph double. Securing an 8-7 win in the first of seven meetings in 11 days against the Padres was a massive statement.
While the immediate situation is dire, there are glimmers of hope for the beleaguered pitching staff. Roki Sasaki, on the IL since May 13 with a shoulder impingement, has officially begun a throwing program. While there's no set timeline for his return, any progress is good progress. Further down the pipeline, the farm system is churning out potential help. No. 25 prospect Nick Heubeck has been lights out, recently extending a long scoreless streak with a dominant 9-strikeout performance over 6 innings. These developments are crucial as the front office looks for long-term solutions.
Tonight's game against Dylan Cease and the Padres is more than just another contest; it's a stress test for a championship-caliber roster facing its toughest stretch of adversity. Can the offense continue to mash? Who will step up on the mound? The Dodgers' depth, character, and resolve will be on full display as they try to navigate the storm and prove why they're still the team to beat in the NL West.
