Blake Snell Hopes To Return To Dodgers Before End Of April

"Snell entered Spring Training this year with a different mindset, not wanting to rush into baseball activities until he had made enough progress in his recovery. He recently threw his first bullpen session with the catcher squatting down and will continue ramping up in the weeks ahead."

"Snell's most recent bullpen session was considered low-intensity, with his fastball sitting in the 87-89 mph range. He will have to build up to throwing more traditional bullpen sessions before facing hitters, and then potentially begin a Minor League rehab assignment ahead of rejoining the Dodgers' starting rotation."

"Snell didn't have a normal offseason throwing program because of shoulder discomfort that resurfaced after he threw 34 innings for the Dodgers in the 2025 playoffs. He previously dealt with left shoulder inflammation that caused him to miss four months of the regular season."

Blake Snell reported late to spring training due to recurring left shoulder trouble that emerged after pitching 34 innings in the 2025 playoffs. He previously missed four months with shoulder inflammation. Snell adopted a cautious approach this offseason, avoiding rushing into baseball activities until sufficient recovery progress was made. He recently completed his first bullpen session, throwing only 15 fastballs at 87-89 mph. Manager Dave Roberts indicated six weeks represents the minimum recovery timeline. Snell targets returning to game action by late April, though he will begin the season on the injured list. His progression includes building intensity in bullpen sessions, facing hitters, and potentially completing a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the starting rotation.

Read at Dodger Blue