LOS ANGELES, CA—The Los Angeles Dodgers have opened the 2026 Major League Baseball regular season without one of their key starters from last year’s World Series championship roster.
Entering camp, left-hander Blake Snell was adamant about slow-playing his ramp-up for the upcoming regular season as a way to hopefully avoid a lengthy stint on the injured list as he did last summer.
Snell didn’t appear in any Cactus League games for the Dodgers during spring training, with the lefty just starting to extend his flat ground throws and a few late bullpen sessions at the end of camp.
Still, entering the regular season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was confident that a late-may return seemed the most likely.
Well, now, according to Dodgers insider David Vassegh of AM 570, Snell is taking the next step in his ramp-up and will face live hitters once the team returns from their upcoming six-game road trip.
While Snell missed significant time last season due to left shoulder discomfort, the lefty and two-time Cy Young Award winner was effective down the stretch and proved to be the difference maker in October, helping secure victories in the National League Wild Card, Division Series, and Championship series.
Currently, the Dodgers rotation only features one left-hander in Justin Wrobleski, who will slot in during the team’s upcoming road trip.
Snell is also one of three pitchers hopeful to return before June, with River Ryan getting an extended ramp-up with the Triple-A OKC Comets, and Gavin Stone finally pain-free and set to begin his throwing ramp-up.
Once the other arms return, the Dodgers will have multiple decisions to make as they go through their massive pitching depth.
More Dodgers Coverage:
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
Related