WASHINGTON -- Koda Glover returned to the Nationals' clubhouse Friday night, rejoining the team and ready to take on a different role for the rest of the season. The inflammation in his right shoulder has ended his season, after he was shut down last week from his throwing program.
Even though his 2017 season is over, the Nationals wanted Glover to rejoin the club for the stretch run to feel like part of the team as it heads into the postseason.
"It's nice seeing all the guys," Glover said. "I'm gonna be a little cheerleader for the remaining part of the year. Hopefully, these guys can pull it out and win a World Series."
Glover last pitched on June 10 before he went on the disabled list with lower back tightness. Shortly after, he revealed he also had nerve inflammation around his rotator cuff. He had been working his way back eagerly at the team's complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., during the past few weeks and had even started throwing bullpen sessions.
But he pushed too hard too soon, and after his third bullpen session, he said his entire shoulder locked up. Two days after receiving treatment he tried to play catch and his shoulder worsened. Eventually the decision was made to shut him down until mid-November.
"With the season winding down, we were kind of rushing it a little bit," he said. "Typically it's 14-21 days [of rest]. I was [throwing] two days after. So I just ran out of time. It's like putting a Band-Aid on it and just ripping it off. It doesn't really do anything."
Each time Glover tried to build his shoulder back up, he would hit a wall. So at the moment, while he is not able to pick up a ball, Glover is focused on strengthening his shoulder before he begins taking the next step. This process has taught him how to better take care of himself for the future.
"I'm a lot more concerned with my body now," Glover said. "I think being young and immature kind of plays a role in that, you kind of feel invincible sometimes. But now definitely I've been humbled. I've taken a step back, got to re-evaluate a lot of things. I'm definitely going to be smarter about my body from now on."
It ends what was supposed to be his first full season in the Majors after his meteoric rise through the Minors. Glover was drafted in 2015, made the Majors last season and had a stint as the Nationals' closer this season.
Glover made 23 appearances this year and converted eight saves in 10 chances for Washington. He pitched through some early injuries that led to his 5.12 ERA, but he showed promise that could make him a major bullpen piece in the future.
"It's been a rough year on me," Glover said. "Other than Tommy John in 2012, I've never been hurt."