Blake Snell is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing the start of the season due to shoulder discomfort. The team is cautiously easing him back into play to ensure his health.
Key points
Blake Snell is returning to the Dodgers after shoulder discomfort.
Shoulder injuries can complicate recovery for pitchers.
The Dodgers are cautiously managing Snell's return.
Blake SnellLos Angeles Dodgers
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) reacts in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) reacts in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
For a pitcher, the shoulder is the most important area to keep healthy, as surgery for that part of the body can be a multi-year, complicated recovery — Gavin Stone being a clear example.
Thus, the Dodgers have been meaningfully careful with Snell, easing him back into the fold and slowly ramping him up.
He did not pitch during Spring Training — still throwing behind the scenes, including bullpen sessions, but the team did not rush him.
Q&A
What is Blake Snell's injury status for the 2026 MLB season?
Blake Snell is recovering from shoulder discomfort and is on track to return to the Dodgers.
Why is shoulder health critical for pitchers like Blake Snell?
Shoulder health is crucial for pitchers because injuries can lead to complicated, multi-year recoveries.
How is the Dodgers' management handling Blake Snell's return?
The Dodgers are being careful with Snell's recovery, gradually ramping up his activity to ensure his health.
What can happen if a pitcher like Blake Snell undergoes shoulder surgery?
Shoulder surgery for pitchers can result in a lengthy and complicated recovery process, as seen with other players.
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Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) reacts in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) reacts in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Snell continued to work in the background — facing hitters in live batting practice — and on Wednesday, he finally stepped on the mound for an official appearance in Single A.
Snell’s time with Ontario
While the Ontario Tower Buzzer faced off against San Jose, Snell tossed 32 pitches, 21 of which were strikes. He gave up three hits, a walk, and one earned run, plus another that came on a defensive error.
The plan for Snell was to pitch two innings, and while he did get to the second inning, he was pulled after all four batters reached. There were two errors that led to traffic and increased his pitch count, but Snell came away happy that he got back out and competed.
“It’s been a long time so I’m just ready to pitch,” Snell said. “That’s so much fun for me. I can’t wait for the next one.”
“I feel great. Just pitching again felt awesome. I was real happy with that. Stuff-wise, I’ll clean that up, get it better. The bottom of the mound I kept slipping, I don’t know why.
“That was tough for me. Overall I felt good, stuff was good, I like the confidence, the prep before the game, how I felt.”
Snell’s goal for his rehab outings
As a former Cy Young award winner and a high-priced free agent, Snell has big expectations when he does take the mound, and the team will want him to be at his best when he does pitch.
The southpaw would not have it any other way.
“My goal is to dominate innings, try to use the least amount of pitches as possible so that will push the end, or I can go to the bullpen and throw,” Snell added.
“The first two will be a lot of patience and learning, figure out where I’m at. After that, that’s when I hit the gas pedal and really go.”
The Dodgers have more than enough pitching to cover for his time on the injured list. Now, if he were a hitter, Los Angeles may be pushing him to come back as soon as possible, with the offense struggling on the year as a whole thus far.
