The Los Angeles Dodgers moved quick in free agency to sign Blake Snell, and his addition represented a significant boost for a starting rotation filled with talent and depth, but standing to benefit from another frontline pitcher joining the group.
The Dodgers envisioned a rotation led by Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, who was poised to return from right elbow tendinitis that ended his 2024 season. But so far in 2025, it’s only been Yamamoto to consistently stand out from the trio.
In Snell’s case, he was put on the 15-day injured list earlier this month because of left shoulder inflammation that was present for each of his first two starts this season. Snell was shut down from throwing for one week but had started playing catch on April 14.
Snell was poised to throw a bullpen session at Wrigley Field, but that was canceled and he’s been shut down once again, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Blake Snell was supposed to throw another bullpen this week in Chicago, but it was canceled after he still “didn’t feel great” in catch play yesterday, Dave Roberts said
Snell will get re-examined when the team returns home, but Roberts said he’s not concerned right now
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 23, 2025
Snell threw his first bullpen session since going on the injured list on April 19. He acknowledged there was still some discomfort in his throwing shoulder but the mound work otherwise went well.
Prior to that, manager Dave Roberts said Snell’s MRI was a “best-case scenario” for the Dodgers as it did not reveal any structural damage. However, lingering pain and the left-hander now needing further examination, could be causes for concern moving forward.
Blake Snell downplayed shoulder injury
Even with discomfort still present, Snell had recently said he was no longer concerned by the injury because of being able to make progress in a throwing program.
Given the latest setback, it’s plausible Snell is not back in the Dodgers rotation for at least another two weeks.
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!
