Tyler Glasnow has emerged as an unlikely hero this postseason, showcasing the best playoff performance of his career despite having battled a back injury in September that hampered his entry into the playoffs. Although he may not have posted an impressive ERA, Glasnow has managed to strike out one-third of the batters he has faced this October, surpassing his regular-season strikeout rate while playing for the Dodgers.
However, one noticeable shortcoming has surfaced during the playoffs: Glasnow’s walk rate, which has soared to nearly 15 percent, ranking among the worst for pitchers with at least 10 innings pitched in the postseason. This alarming statistic raises questions about his command and whether his earlier health issues are resurfacing. His current walk rate marks the highest since his early years, when he was known for his erratic pitching during his time with the Pirates. This decline in control is substantiated by recent changes in his advanced command metrics.
Compounding the issue, more than 10 percent of Glasnow’s fastballs thrown this October have been located right down the middle, and while they still clock in at 96 mph and exhibit good movement, this trend could pose a significant risk against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays are known for their potent offense, finishing in the top ten against four-seam fastballs this year. Notably, key hitters like George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have showcased impressive slugging percentages against fastballs, raising the stakes for Glasnow as he seeks to navigate through this tough matchup.
As the postseason progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on Glasnow, hoping he can harness his remarkable strikeout ability while tightening his command. If he manages to resolve these issues, he stands a strong chance of leading his team deep into the playoffs.