Dodgers’ Blake Snell Takes One Step Closer to Return from IL

· Yahoo Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Blake Snell is growing closer to his return from the injured list, and will throw a bullpen Friday.

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Snell’s bullpen will last 15 pitches, and he will throw exclusively fastballs during the session. Manager Dave Roberts said Snell will have four of these sessions before he faces hitters.

The Dodgers’ $182 million man has only made one start this season, which came in between two lengthy stints on the injured list. He began the year on the IL after citing fatigue in his throwing shoulder, and returned for one start in May. He threw three innings in his only start of the season, striking out five batters and allowing five runs, four of which were earned.

After his start, the Dodgers moved Snell back onto the injured list with loose bodies in his elbow. The recovery period for loose bodies in the elbow is usually several months following the surgery to remove them, but a recent development using a tool called the “NanoNeedle” significantly speeds up the progress.

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal underwent the NanoNeedle procedure with loose bodies in his elbow at the beginning of May, and returned to pitch in the majors just a couple of weeks into June.

The Dodgers will hope Snell can avoid any setbacks during his bullpens as they look to get him back for the second half of the season.

May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) throws to the plate during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

How Did Blake Snell Impact the Dodgers After Returning from Injury in 2025?

Snell also missed a majority of the 2025 season on the injured list, making just two starts before August.

After returning, though, he played a key role in a tight race in the NL West. He posted a 2.35 ERA on the season, pitching 61.1 innings across his 11 starts on the year. He struck out 72 batters during that time.

In the postseason, Snell was a reliable arm for the Dodgers, throwing six times on the way to the World Series. He had a 3.18 ERA, throwing 34 innings throughout the playoffs.

If Snell returns and has a similar impact on the Dodgers, they will be in a very good spot for the remainder of the season.

Are you excited to see Blake Snell return?

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