The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation and have shut him down until Monday.
Snell was the Dodgers’ most expensive signing of the offseason, agreeing to a five-year, $182-million contract with the team.
[BUY HERE: Dodgers World Series banner bobbleheads]
Snell didn’t look the sharpest during his two starts for the Dodgers, walking eight and only striking out four across nine innings pitched. He revealed those outings came with discomfort in his shoulder already present.
An MRI scan showed no structural damage in Snell’s shoulder, which manager Dave Roberts said was the best outcome the Dodgers could have hoped for, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“That was best-case scenario,” manager Dave Roberts said of the prognosis, raising the likelihood of Snell’s hope to be back on the mound in a couple of weeks.
“Just rest until Monday,” Roberts added, “and we’ll pick back up from there.”
Snell had two separate stints on the 15-day IL last season with the San Francisco Giants, first because of a left abductor strain and later strained left groin. Snell has had some durability concerns throughout his career, but enjoyed a fully healthy season during his Cy Young campaign with the San Diego Padres in 2023.
Although the Dodgers placed him on the IL Sunday, the designation was backdated to April 3. Meaning, the earliest Snell is eligible to be activated is on April 18.
He is expected to only miss two starts if all goes well following the resumption of a throwing program.
Dodgers’ replacement options for Blake Snell
If the Dodgers’ optimistic prediction holds true, they will only need to cover one more of Snell’s starts. Justin Wrobleski received the first one on Tuesday, but was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City after allowing eight runs in five innings. Landon Knack similarly struggled in his start on Wednesday but is expected to receive another opportunity.
If the Dodgers choose to look elsewhere, Bobby Miller or a bullpen game would be the next logical choices. Nick Frasso is the only other pitcher on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster with starting experience.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
