The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Blake Snell since April 6, when he was placed on the 15-day injured because of left shoulder inflammation. Snell has since been transferred to the 60-day IL but continues to work his way back to the mound.
Snell pitched through the shoulder discomfort in his first two starts of the season after initially brushing it off as normal wear and tear. He allowed only two runs in nine innings pitched, but issued eight walks against four strikeouts.
An MRI revealed that Snell did not suffer any structural damage in his left shoulder. He has resumed throwing but faces a prolonged recovery after already experiencing one setback earlier in the process.
During a recent appearance on “Dodger Talk” with David Vassegh, Snell said he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session at some point during the Dodgers’ series with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park next week:
“Ironically, I think in San Diego. I think that’s the plan. We’ll see though. But I think sometime in San Diego is the plan. They’ll let me know and I’ll be ready. I’m just excited. I’m throwing and there’s no pain. I can actually be excited for something. It’s going to come and happen soon.”
Snell has been playing catch from flat ground and throwing a bullpen session next week would signal that the left-hander is making good progress in his recovery.
He initially advanced to throwing a bullpen session in April but had a second instance of mound work canceled because of lingering discomfort. That prompted further examination of the two-time Cy Young Award winner, who received an injection to help treat the pain.
Snell is among several injured Dodgers pitchers working their way back to the team, along with Tyler Glasnow, Michael Kopech, Emmet Sheehan and Kirby Yates, among others.
Blake Snell: ‘really tough’ remaining patient
Snell recently said it has been difficult not being able to contribute to the Dodgers and he would like to return as soon as possible.
Given his importance to the rotation, the Dodgers will make sure Snell is completely healthy before activating him from the 60-day IL. That made June 2 the earliest date Snell could be activated.
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!
