Dodgers Receive Bad News on Pitcher's Health Status

If there is a silver lining to Snell’s setback, it is that manager Dave Roberts is "not concerned right now". However, it is unclear if Roberts is trying to put a positive spin on this or if Snell’s injury is simply being handled with extra precaution.

The Dodgers have the third-best record in baseball at 16-8, and despite being a half game back of the rival San Diego Padres, they are not necessarily in a rush to get Snell back on the mound.

The two-time Cy Young winner was the marquee free agent acquisition this offseason and had done well to validate his pricey five-year, $182 million contract. Through two starts with Los Angeles, Snell has a 2.00 ERA and a 4.80 FIP but does have an eight-to-four walk-to-strikeout ratio over nine innings.

Snell has never been the most efficient pitcher, having thrown just one complete game in his 10-year MLB tenure. Regardless, he is still one of the most effective arms in the league.

The Dodgers’ injured pitchers would probably make for a legitimate postseason team, with Snell, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Shohei Ohtani all absent from starting duties. Furthermore, relievers Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech are also on the 15-day IL.

Hopefully, this shutdown is precautionary, and Roberts, who knows this season does not really start until October, does not need to risk anything with Snell. 

Still, it is unfortunate news for the Dodgers, who find themselves even thinner in the rotation.