The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to dominate this season as they look to win a third straight World Series later this year. However, they’ve found success so far without a crucial arm in their rotation: Blake Snell.
The left-hander has yet to pitch in the 2026 campaign after starting the year on the 15-day IL due to shoulder pain. The Dodgers announced that Snell will make his long-awaited return on Wednesday, however, as he’s set to throw three innings for Single-A Ontario.
Ahead of tonight’s series opener with the San Francisco Giants, skipper Dave Roberts revealed the plan Los Angeles is hoping to follow in Snell’s ramp-up process.
“I think the expectation is for him to go three innings,” Roberts said, via SportsNet LA. “Then six days later, do another three innings, then go from there. But yeah, it’s good to see him around and with the guys, and I know he’s champing at the bit.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Will Be Excited To Have Blake Snell Back
GettyBlake Snell #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up in the outfield during batting practice before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
While the Dodgers will be cautious with his rehab, there’s no question the defending champs can’t wait to have Snell back on the bump at the big league level. When healthy, the southpaw is still one of the most dominant starters in the sport.
While he dealt with fatigue in the same throwing shoulder last season, the numbers were still elite when Snell was healthy. Across 11 starts, he compiled a 2.35 ERA. Snell also made six postseason appearances and five starts, posting a 3.18 ERA.
Los Angeles signed Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal prior to the 2025 campaign. Knowing the type of dominant pitcher Snell is, he shouldn’t need a ton of time in the minor leagues. That being said, the Dodgers want to make sure this fatigue in his left shoulder doesn’t become an issue again, so being patient is the safe move.
Especially because LA’s rotation has been solid, even without Snell.
Dodgers’ Rotation Holding Their Own
Getty Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the New York Mets in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on April 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles rotation has collected a 3.06 ERA and an 11-2 record so far through 22 starts, holding opponents to a .202 average. Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have led the way, but lefty Justin Wrobleski has also been a pleasant surprise, pitching to a stellar 1.88 ERA.
Although Emmitt Sheehan and Roki Sasaki have struggled, having four starters who consistently put their best foot forward is valuable for Roberts and the Dodgers. That will hopefully become five in the coming weeks when Snell is ready to step back on a big league mound.
As for Wrobleski, he continues to make a real case for the No. 5 role. Having two dominant lefty would be a treat for Los Angeles.
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