The Los Angeles Dodgers have received great contributions from their starting rotation to open the 2026 season, despite missing postseason standout and $182 million man Blake Snell.
Snell has been throwing bullpen sessions as he works his way back to the active roster, including one on March 27 with manager Dave Roberts watching. According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports, Snell is poised to reach the next stage of his rehab when the team returns from their upcoming road trip by pitching against batters.
The left-hander reported to camp behind schedule because of left shoulder inflammation and began this season on the 15-day injured list. The final step in his recovery process would be to complete a rehab assignment in the Minors, the Dodgers estimate that he will be good to return by the end of May.
Blake Snell likely to face hitters once #Dodgers return from upcoming road trip.
Dave Roberts said on Opening Day, Snell should return at the end of May.— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 1, 2026
Roberts came away impressed after watching Snell’s most recent bullpen session, so the left-hander’s status seems to be trending upward.
Gavin Stone is the other Dodgers starter to be placed on the IL before Opening Day. The right-hander suffered a setback with his surgically repaired right shoulder, but recently resumed his throwing program without any pain.
Despite Stone’s encouraging progress, he was transferred to the 60-day IL on Wednesday in order to receive an adequate build up after his spring was interrupted.
In the meantime, River Ryan serves as starting pitching depth should the Dodgers be in need of someone to step into the Major League rotation. The 27-year-old had an impressive spring, but was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City so that the organization could better manage his workload coming off Tommy John surgery.
Dodgers claim Grant Holman from Diamondbacks
The Dodgers continued their work in the margins of their 40-man roster Wednesday afternoon by claiming Grant Holman off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gavin Stone was transferred to the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move.
Holman made his MLB debut with Oakland in 2024 and appeared in a career-high 22 games for the team last season as well. Over parts of two seasons with the A’s, Holman is a combined 5-3 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.52 WHIP across 40 games (two starts).
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