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Dodgers Get Positive News on Blake Snell

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 15, 2025 4:10 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally received some positive injury news.

The National League West leaders have already had to deal with injuries to starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani, along with a depleted bullpen that is missing contributors such as Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, and Brusdar Graterol.

However, the latest update on Snell, who is on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder inflammation, should excite Dodgers fans. According to Dodgers Nation, Snell met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache and, on Wednesday, began a throwing program, including playing catch from 60 feet.

Manager Dave Roberts said, “It’s very encouraging."

Los Angeles knew there would be risk involved when inking Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract this offseason. He recently missed 25 games with a groin strain as a member of the San Francisco Giants in 2024, and has made over 30 starts just twice in his 10-year MLB career (2018, 2023).

Those years also happened to be his Cy Young-winning campaigns. Snell has never been a particular workhorse, and at 32 years old, he will likely never be an elite innings-eater. However, even with uphill battles to stay on the mound, he has some of the best stuff in baseball and is a legitimate 3.00 ERA starter when available.

The Dodgers could use Snell’s services with such a heavy reliance on bullpen games lately, but there is also no need to rush him. This is a team that is set up for October, perhaps better than anybody in the Majors, and risking Snell’s health for that crucial late-season stretch feels unnecessary.

Hopefully for Roberts and Los Angeles, the next update on Snell’s rehab is just as encouraging.

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

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