Dodgers’ Big Concern Alleviated as Blake Snell Returns in Win Over Giants

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell returned to the mound on Saturday in his final regular-season start, a 4-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants, and seemingly put an end to lingering health concerns.

Snell's previous start on Sept. 16 was cut short after just one inning due to tightness in his left groin, raising questions about his readiness for the postseason and the depth of the Dodgers' rotation. However, in the days following, Snell's condition improved sufficiently to allow him to throw bullpen sessions.

His start against the Giants saw Snell pitch four innings, allowing one run on five hits. While he did not reach the five-inning mark manager Dave Roberts had targeted and was inefficient with his 77 pitches, the primary objective was for him to exit the game healthy.

Roberts acknowledged that the team had considered skipping Snell's final start to allow for more rest, but opted against it to avoid too long of a layoff before the playoffs. Despite Snell's history of groin issues over the past five years, the club expressed confidence in his physical state.

Snell finished the 2026 regular season with a 4-1 record and a 1.90 ERA over nine starts. His season was previously impacted by a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the first month and subsequent elbow surgery to remove loose bodies.

Looking ahead to the National League Division Series, Snell is projected to be the Dodgers' Game 3 starter. This potential placement, along with the progression of pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal, suggests a stable starting rotation heading into the playoffs. Tyler Glasnow has also completed his final regular-season start without issue. The additional time before the postseason would allow Snell further opportunity to regain peak form, ensuring his groin issue does not hinder his performance.