Blake Snell took an encouraging first step on Saturday amid another injury-plagued season.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced today that Snell (left elbow) will begin a rehab assignment next week. This news comes after the lefty was seen facing live hitters at Dodger Stadium for the first time since undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow.
Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers in December 2024, has dealt with numerous injuries over his first two seasons in Los Angeles.
The 33-year-old made just 11 starts last season due to shoulder inflammation, which cost him three months. In those 11 outings, Snell posted a 5–4 record with a 2.35 ERA, 72 strikeouts, and a 1.26 WHIP over 61.1 innings.
The 2026 season has also not been kind to the lefty hurler. Snell initially began the season on the injured list with shoulder fatigue and did not join the Dodgers until May 9. After struggling in his season debut against the Atlanta Braves, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits in just three innings, the Dodgers placed Snell back on the IL on May 15 due to loose bodies found in his pitching elbow. He was transferred to the 60-day IL shortly thereafter.
While this is an encouraging update, Snell will likely need to make multiple rehab starts before the injury-prone left-hander is ready to rejoin the Dodgers. Los Angeles needs Snell to be healthy enough to help with their quest to win a third straight World Series title.
The Dodgers have won the last two World Series championships and hold the best record in baseball this year through the first 95 games. They're currently 61-34 and have a 13.5 game lead in the National League West division.
The Dodgers have six All-Stars representing the National League in this year's All-Star Game as well.
