Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that starting pitcher Blake Snell is "on a mission" as he rejoins the team's rotation. Snell is set to make his first start in three months on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals. His return is viewed as critical for the Dodgers' aspirations of a potential three-peat.
Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, has pitched sparingly this season. Last year, he made only two starts before a shoulder injury sidelined him for four months, and he pitched for the final two months of the regular season. In the postseason, he was dominant early on, winning his first three games, but his shoulder pain returned after a stellar performance in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. He went on to lose two games in the World Series before contributing in relief in Game 7.
This past offseason, Snell focused on rehabilitation for his shoulder and hired a nutritionist to address what he described as "inflammation-based" injuries. This emphasis on recovery led him to start spring training behind other pitchers, a deliberate choice to avoid repeating the mistake of pitching through discomfort as he did last year.
Snell began the current season on the injured list and started a minor-league rehabilitation assignment in late April. After two Class A starts, the Dodgers suggested he continue his buildup in the major leagues. He pitched three innings on May 9, allowing five runs in a loss to the Atlanta Braves. When his elbow flared up again, Snell opted for a procedure to remove loose bodies. Surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache utilized a less invasive surgical device, the NanoNeedle 2.0, which typically reduces recovery time. Snell waited 2 ½ weeks post-surgery before resuming throwing.
"It's the best I've felt in three years by far," Snell said a couple of weeks ago. He completed his rehabilitation assignment with four games for triple-A Oklahoma City, throwing 73 pitches in his last outing despite allowing three runs in 3 ⅔ innings.
Roberts indicated that if Snell can get through five innings on Tuesday, he will be treated as a normal starter. The Dodgers plan to maintain a six-man rotation, even with Shohei Ohtani not pitching. With Snell expected to pitch approximately once a week, he should make seven to eight starts before the end of the regular season. The team views this period as his "real season," aiming for him to regain his previous form to bolster a rotation that already includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal, potentially creating a historic top three.