Rays' Tyler Glasnow: Potential for 2022 return

The Rays haven't yet ruled Glasnow (elbow) out from making a late-season return from the 60-day injured list, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "The chance is not zero," pitching coach Kyle Snyder said Saturday. "Let's say that much. It's pretty remarkable just to see where he is."

Topkin notes that Glasnow still has at least a few important hurdles to clear before getting the green light for game action, but he's been throwing bullpen sessions for more than a month, with Snyder noting that the right-hander's fastball velocity has hovered around 98-to-99 miles per hour. Snyder said that Glasnow is also successfully executing his breaking pitches. The 28-year-old is expected to begin facing live hitters in two weeks, and he'll need to prove that he can command all of his offerings effectively prior to heading out on what could be an extended rehab assignment. The Rays still view Glasnow as a starter in the long haul, but if he's cleared to make his return from Tommy John surgery in September, he'll likely be brought back in a bullpen role.