Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers' ace, is nearing a return to the team's starting rotation after undergoing surgery earlier this year to remove bone chips from his elbow. Snell stated he feels "the best I’ve felt in three years by far," with his shoulder, elbow, and overall body feeling significantly improved. He noted that a prior numbness in his ring and pinky fingers, which he initially disregarded, has subsided since the procedure.
Snell is scheduled to make one final start for triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, aiming for a five-inning outing to complete his recovery process. This decision follows an earlier instance where his elbow flared up after a rehab assignment was cut short, a situation he aims to avoid repeating. "I did last time and I got hurt. So, yeah, I’m going to shut up," Snell quipped.
The left-handed pitcher believes his improved health will allow him to perform at his peak. Last season, lingering shoulder pain impacted his regular season performance and gradually diminished his effectiveness in the playoffs. Snell, who signed a $182 million contract, anticipates a strong finish to the current season now that he is free from physical limitations and can execute his mechanics more effectively. He demonstrated his improved range of motion, noting, "I can release the ball out here now."
His previous issues included compensating for shoulder pain and the finger numbness, which he attributed to loose bodies in his elbow pressing on a nerve. "Once they came out... I was like, ‘Wow, I can feel my fingers,’" he said. The "revolutionary NanoNeedle surgical procedure" not only addressed the bone chips but also eliminated his shoulder pain entirely.
During his rehab stint, Snell has been pleased with his ability to generate swings and misses with his fastball, effectively utilize his curveball, and maintain consistency with his changeup and slider. "I just have way more range [of motion]," he explained. "I’m finally getting out there again [with my extension]."
This potential return to full health mirrors his situation last year, when he posted a 2.41 ERA in his final nine regular-season starts after returning from injury in August. He then delivered strong playoff performances before experiencing shoulder pain again in the World Series. The key difference this year, Snell indicated, is his current state of health. For the Dodgers, who are aiming for a third consecutive World Series appearance, Snell's resurgence could be a critical development for their rotation.