Blake Snell ‘Probably Not’ Close To Facing Hitters

The Los Angeles Dodgers had high expectations for Blake Snell after signing him to a five-year, $182 million contract prior to the 2025 season.

But things have not gone according to plan as Snell made just two starts before landing on the injured list on April 6 due to left shoulder inflammation.

Snell has no structural damage, but suffered a setback early in the process that further delayed his return. That also required him to undergo further examination and he received an injection to help treat the pain.

He has since been playing catch and throwing bullpen sessions, which indicates he has continued to make progress.

“Blake is ramping up,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He should have a pen on the horizon shortly, which is in the next couple of days. So that’s exciting, that’s good. We’re on the come.”

Snell first threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, June 10 at Petco Park. He tossed 15 pitches at about 70% intensity.

Since then, Snell has thrown four more bullpens, but despite that, he does not appear close to taking the next step in his rehab: facing hitters.

“I would say probably not,” Roberts said when asked if Snell was close to throwing to batters. “We got to do another ‘pen and we’ll see where we go. But I would just say overall, my idea of close is probably not, which could be different from yours.”

The more encouraging news is Snell is throwing his entire pitch mix in bullpen sessions. But until he’s able to face hitters, Snell will not be able to advance further in his rehab.

Blake Snell injury history

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 a strained left groin.

The left-hander has a lengthy list of injuries, but he has been mostly free of arm issues aside from undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow in 2019.

He has landed on the IL multiple times throughout his career due to adductor strains, and he has also dealt with a fractured toe and shoulder fatigue.