After just one appearance on the mound this season, Blake Snell was placed on the 60-day IL so he could undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. With his official return not entirely clear, manager Dave Roberts provided inspiring news in Snell's latest update.
Reports indicate that the 33-year-old left-hander will be partaking in a bullpen session on Friday, according to David Vassegh of “Dodger Talk.” Roberts stated that Snell will only throw 15 pitches, with all of them being fastballs.
“Dave Roberts said Blake Snell will throw a 15-pitch fastball only bullpen session on Friday,” reported Vassegh.
This will be the first time the 11-year veteran will do any kind of throwing since being placed on the IL on May 29, retroactive to May 12. Considering Snell will only throw 15 fastballs suggests he is still a ways from returning to the mound. But this is a nice first step toward recovery.
Blake Snell's lone start this season came in the Dodgers' 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on May 9. He pitched 3.0 innings in that contest, totaling five strikeouts while allowing six hits, two walks, and four earned runs.
Injuries have been the story for Snell since he initially signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers in 2025. He was limited to just 11 games last year due to left shoulder fatigue. However, he did play through the injury in the playoffs, playing a role in the club's second straight World Series win.
While he only has one All-Star appearance in his career, Snell is recognized as a solid starting pitcher in MLB. He owns a career 3.17 ERA and 1.223 WHIP with 1,445 strikeouts, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers since 2016.
