Blake Snell’s Status in Question After Update on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 1:27 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are proceeding with caution when it comes to starting pitcher Blake Snell. The veteran southpaw has been battling shoulder fatigue in his left arm. While the issue is not considered to be serious, LA is being especially careful. The Dodgers made another World Series run in 2025, which led to Snell pitching deep into October. The postseason run may be playing a role in his reported shoulder fatigue.

Will Snell be ready for 2026 Opening Day? Is there a chance that he will begin the new campaign on the injured list? While he is reportedly throwing off flat-ground, Snell's Opening Day status seems to be in question.

"Time's ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday, via Kate Woo of The Athletic.

The Dodgers are not just playing to reach the playoffs. Los Angeles wants to win a third consecutive World Series. Anything short of a championship will be considered a failure for this squad. As a result, there is no reason to rush Snell's return. The Dodgers' primary goal is to have him healthy in October for another World Series run.

Dodgers Being Cautious With Blake Snell

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Snell, 33, is a two-time Cy Young winning pitcher. 2025 represented his first year in Los Angeles with the Dodgers. While he only made 11 total starts, Snell still played a pivotal role in the postseason.

The left-handed pitcher appeared in six postseason contests (five starts). He surrendered 12 earned runs across 34 innings of work on the mound en route to a strong 3.18 ERA. Snell struck out 41 hitters during that span as well.

Snell has been one of baseball's best starters in recent years. While injuries have been a concern at times, his performance while healthy has been impressive to say the least. His most recent Cy Young award came in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, as Snell turned in a league-leading 2.25 ERA that season.

It remains to be seen if Snell will be able to replicate his '23 performance again. Regardless, Snell still features more than enough talent to help any ball club in a crucial manner.

The Dodgers will continue to provide updates on Blake Snell's status ahead of Opening Day as they are made available.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: