Blake Snell is nearing a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from shoulder fatigue. His recent rehab starts show promising performance, raising questions about who will be removed from the rotation.
Key points
Blake Snell is close to returning to the Dodgers.
He is recovering from left shoulder fatigue.
Snell had two rehab starts with mixed results.
His performance raises questions about the rotation.
Blake SnellLos Angeles Dodgers
Blake Snell to return to Dodgers soon. Who is odd man out of rotation?
Pitcher Blake Snell appears close to a return for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The left-handed pitcher is working his way back from left shoulder fatigue.
He made his first appearance with the Single-A Ontario Tower Buzzers on April 22. In that game at San Jose, he threw 21 strikes in 32 pitches but did not record a strikeout in one-plus inning of work. Snell allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk.
He made his second rehab start for Ontario a few days later, recording six strikeouts in three scoreless innings against the Lake Elsinore Storm.
When will Blake Snell return to Dodgers?
Snell started the year on the injured list but is expected to return to the Dodgers' rotation closer to the end of May. He's expected to make two rehab starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
Q&A
When is Blake Snell expected to return to the Dodgers?
Blake Snell is close to returning, but an exact date has not been specified.
What were Blake Snell's stats in his recent rehab starts?
In his first rehab start, Snell allowed two runs on three hits, and in his second start, he recorded six strikeouts in three scoreless innings.
Who might be removed from the Dodgers' rotation when Snell returns?
The specific player who will be the odd man out has not been determined yet, but it is a topic of discussion as Snell nears his return.
What injury did Blake Snell recover from?
Blake Snell was recovering from left shoulder fatigue.
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
2 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
3 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
5 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 13: The Pittsburgh Pirates' Spencer Horwitz celebrates a home run in the dugout while wearing a welder's hood during the 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
6 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
Who would Blake Snell replace in Dodgers' rotation?
Roki Sasaki hasn't been as consistent, but he's likely to remain in the rotation. Upon his return, Snell is likely to replace Emmet Sheehan, who could settle back into a role as a reliever. Sheehan, though, could still be used as a starting pitcher as necessary.
