A healthy Blake Snell could be exactly what Dodgers need

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A healthy Blake Snell could be exactly what Dodgers need

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 12, 2026 12:28 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers got a major reinforcement Tuesday when left-hander Blake Snell returned to make just his second start of the season and first since May 9.

Injuries have derailed Snell's season, but if Tuesday was any indication of his health, Snell will play a major role down the stretch for the Dodgers.

Blake Snell threw a gem

Snell was brilliant in his return as he tossed six excellent innings, allowing just one run and striking out 10 batters against the Kansas City Royals.

Dating back to last season, Snell has recorded double-digit strikeouts in three of his last five starts. He also had a double-digit-strikeout game in the postseason against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Blake Snell was back doing his thing Tuesday night https://t.co/a05yVxZIBB pic.twitter.com/L76aekpxFp
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 12, 2026

Snell being at full strength for the remainder of the season will be an important factor in the Dodgers' pursuit of a third straight World Series.

His 34 innings pitched in the 2025 postseason were second only to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and his 3.18 ERA was also among the best in the Los Angeles rotation.

A healthy Blake Snell is a major boost to the Dodgers rotation

Snell's health is not only good for himself, but also for other players currently in the rotation.

Roki Sasaki can return to the high-leverage role he pitched in last season. Shohei Ohtani can focus primarily on hitting throughout the postseason, and so many other dominoes will fall with those things taking place. A healthy Snell for the entirety of the postseason may be among the biggest keys to Los Angeles winning its third straight World Series.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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