Blake Snell Delivers Electric Rehab Start as Dodgers Await Return

Feb 17, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) and pitcher Blake Snell (7) warm up during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

His third inning of work went by quickly, with Snell ended up needing just a few pitches before ending the inning. He only got to 39 pitches on the night.

Despite having such a strong outing, Snell was still quite upset with how his curveball was working on the night, calling it as something he is going to think about on his drive home.

“Yeah, I get the curveball going, but yeah, better in the right direction, curveballs really, gotta get that going, look at the fastball a little better,” Snell said.

“I’ll think about it on my drive, but that’s what I know so far, yeah. First two starts are just essentially about coming out healthy, making sure the pitch mix is working.”

How are the Dodgers handling Snell’s return?

After the game, Snell made it clear that he is pressing the organization to let him return as soon as possible.

The Dodgers, however, want to give him all the time that he needs and want him to ramp up as slowly and smoothly as possible.

“They’re taking their time, for sure. We gotta get past this, and I need to be out there and stay out there,” Snell said.

“We’ve had good meetings, and they do it the right way. I mean, they’ve been really good with me, and it’s been tough, because I’ve been wanting to push them.

“But there’s a reason why they’re the Dodgers, they’re really good at everything.”

For Snell, Tuesday was a step in the right direction and he should end up pitching with Oklahoma City next time out, his final stop before a late May return.