The Los Angeles Dodgers, in a move emblematic of their characteristic front office agility, announced on Saturday that they have claimed catcherChuckie Robinson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club placed right-hander Tyler Glasnow on the 60-day injured list. This pair of transactions comes during a pivotal moment in the Dodgers’ season, as the team seeks to bolster its depth behind the plate while also confronting the long-anticipated injury struggles of their ace acquisition from Tampa Bay.
Both moves, though seemingly disparate on the surface, highlight broader themes about the Dodgers’ strategy in 2025—particularly their need for catching depth and their cautious handling of a pitching staff that has been both brilliant and brittle.
The Rise of Chuckie Robinson
Chuckie Robinson isn’t a household name, but his baseball journey is a testament to perseverance. Drafted in the 21st round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros, the 29-year-old catcher has grinded through the minor league ranks with resilience. Known for his defense and leadership, Robinson finally broke into the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022 and has bounced between Triple-A and the majors since then.
Robinson’s most recent stint with the Reds saw limited action—he appeared in 11 games for Cincinnati in 2025, posting a modest .194 average (6-for-31) with 1 home run and 3 RBIs. However, his defensive skill set is what most likely attracted the Dodgers. He’s been praised for his strong arm, solid framing abilities, and ability to manage pitchers effectively.
The Dodgers have historically valued defense-first backup catchers who can step in during a long 162-game grind and offer stability. With All-Star Will Smith entrenched as the everyday backstop and Austin Barnes serving as the backup, some might question why L.A. would add Robinson. But the Dodgers are clearly preparing for depth concerns. Barnes, now 35, has seen his offensive production continue to decline, and with Smith carrying a heavy load behind the plate, a third option makes sense—especially with Triple-A catcher Hunter Feduccia not fully ready to take on MLB pitching.
Robinson is out of minor league options, so if the Dodgers choose not to carry him on the active 26-man roster, he will have to clear waivers again to be sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City. That wrinkle adds an interesting layer to the roster shuffle ahead.
Glasnow to the 60-Day IL: A Blow, But Not a Shock
The other half of Saturday’s news was less surprising, if more sobering for Dodger fans: Tyler Glasnow, the team’s marquee offseason trade acquisition, has been transferred to the 60-day injured list due to forearm tightness that has been lingering since mid-May.
Initially projected to miss just a couple of weeks, the Dodgers’ decision to move Glasnow to the 60-day IL retroactive to May 20 now ensures he won’t be eligible to return until at least late July. This significantly alters the rotation picture and ramps up the pressure on the remaining starters, especially as the Dodgers continue to jockey for position atop the NL West.
The injury to Glasnow isn’t necessarily a shock. His electric arsenal has always come with durability questions. Across his career, Glasnow has dealt with a myriad of arm issues, including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a strained oblique that delayed his 2022 campaign. Though the Dodgers hoped to keep him healthy with a custom-tailored workload, the 6-foot-8 righty made just 10 starts before this latest setback.
In those starts, Glasnow was largely dominant. He posted a 3.27 ERA with 82 strikeouts over 58 innings, frequently overpowering hitters with his 98 mph fastball and devastating curveball. His presence atop the rotation gave the Dodgers a fearsome 1-2 punch with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but now the team must reimagine its plans without him.
Rotation Depth Will Be Tested
The Dodgers are no strangers to pitching injuries, and their 2025 roster was built with contingencies in mind. But Glasnow’s absence will still hurt. With Walker Buehler slowly rounding into form after his return from Tommy John surgery, and Bobby Miller already on the injured list, the team now turns to Gavin Stone, James Paxton, and Emmet Sheehan to stabilize the rotation.
Stone has shown flashes of brilliance in his sophomore season, demonstrating better command and a more mature pitch mix. Paxton, the veteran left-hander, has been steady but unspectacular, while Sheehan has battled inconsistency.
It remains to be seen whether the Dodgers will dip into their farm system for additional help or explore the trade market early. Landan Knack, currently thriving in Triple-A, could be an option, while top prospect River Ryan is rehabbing from an injury and may not be ready until after the All-Star break.
The upcoming schedule provides some leeway—L.A. will face several sub-.500 teams in June—but with a four-game set against the Braves looming before the All-Star break, the Dodgers can’t afford to tread water for long.
Catching Carousel: What Robinson Brings
Robinson’s acquisition provides insurance and a change of pace for the catching corps. Will Smith, as productive as he is, has already logged 45 starts behind the plate in 2025, and the Dodgers have often resisted overworking him—especially during the summer months. If Barnes continues to struggle at the plate (he’s hitting just .118 in 51 plate appearances), Robinson could be given opportunities to spell Smith more frequently.
Moreover, the Dodgers are aware that playoff baseball often demands defensive-minded catchers who can manage elite pitching staffs. Robinson fits that mold. Though he may not hit for average or power, he’s a calming presence behind the plate and is fluent in game-calling—attributes that the analytics-driven Dodgers deeply value.
There’s also the matter of potential trades. With several teams searching for catching help, including the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Detroit Tigers, the Dodgers may be looking to build trade capital. Holding three catchers gives them leverage, especially if Barnes or Robinson showcases value over the next month.
Rethinking the Glasnow Deal
The Dodgers acquired Glasnow in December 2024 from the Rays in a trade that also netted outfielder Manuel Margot, sending pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca to Tampa Bay. They subsequently signed Glasnow to a five-year, $136.5 million extension, betting that his upside would outweigh the health risk.
For a while, the deal looked like a steal. Glasnow was blowing hitters away, and his veteran poise was invaluable in the clubhouse. But now the risk has come home to roost.
It’s not time to panic just yet. Glasnow is expected back later in the summer, and if he returns at full strength for the stretch run and postseason, the trade will have been worth it. But the Dodgers’ decision to move him to the 60-day IL suggests they’re being exceedingly cautious—perhaps bracing for a longer recovery or quietly contemplating additional imaging on his arm.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Decisions
The Dodgers have multiple roster decisions looming. First, they must decide whether Robinson will remain on the active roster once the team returns from its East Coast swing. If they try to slip him through waivers, they risk losing him to another catcher-needy team.
Second, the July trade deadline is creeping closer. With Glasnow out and the rotation lacking depth, expect L.A. to be active in talks for a starting pitcher. Targets could include Shane Bieber (Guardians), Erick Fedde (White Sox), or even a reunion with Julio Urías, who has reestablished his value with a bounce-back year in Miami.
Finally, the Dodgers will have to balance immediate needs with long-term planning. The team remains on pace for 95+ wins, but injuries have exposed vulnerabilities—particularly in pitching and veteran depth.
