Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Dodgers' Dave Roberts Makes New Tough Blake Snell Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 11:23 AM ET

When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Blake Snell to a five-year, $136.96 million deal during the offseason, there were rightfully many fans excited about the addition.

However, it's also fair to note that Snell has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career, which raises some concerns.

Snell, one of the top starters in baseball when he's at his best, has won two Cy Young Awards. Despite only being a one-time All-Star, Snell has racked up some accolades throughout his career and has done everything he possibly can to earn the contract he did with the Dodgers.

However, the injuries are tough to ignore. He’s dealing with another one, having been put on the IL and shut down from throwing due to a shoulder injury.

The news isn't exactly promising for a Los Angeles team looking to repeat as World Series champions.

Speaking to reporters, it doesn't sound like things are going well with his progression, a concerning sign as the Dodgers need him to be ready by the middle of the season.

“As he was playing catch, (Snell) just didn’t feel great,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the reason for Snell’s shutdown, per Dodgers Nation. “So right now we’re gonna slow-play the throwing and probably get it looked at again when we get back home.”

The Dodgers have the ability to be smart with Snell, and that needs to be their goal.

The last thing this organization wants to do is potentially lose him come October, and with multiple arms ready to go, the Dodgers should and will be smart.

Hopefully, when the time comes, he'll return to what he was in the first two starts of the year, posting a 2.00 ERA.

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

More must-reads: