BLAKE SNELL TAKES A STEP FORWARD IN RECOVERY: FIRST SIMULATED INNING OF 2026 SEASON

LOS ANGELES – After starting the season sidelined with shoulder fatigue, Blake Snell took an important step forward in his rehab process on Saturday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, pitching a simulated inning in his first outing against hitters for the year. This was the latest development in his journey back to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation, and the excitement around his recovery is building.

Snell Faces Hitters for the First Time This Year

Snell threw about 15 pitches on Saturday, taking the mound against two batters: Tommy Edman, who batted from both sides of the plate, and Alex Call. The simulated inning took place approximately four hours before the scheduled first pitch of the Dodgers’ game against the Texas Rangers.

The outing was part of Snell’s rehabilitation after a slow start to spring training, as he had not thrown a bullpen session until March 12. The offseason was primarily spent resting his arm, and Snell admitted that it had been difficult to stay mentally sharp during his time away from facing live hitters. But with the first simulated outing under his belt, Snell expressed optimism about his recovery process.

Snell Reflects on the Progress Made

“I’m very excited about how I feel, where I’m at. Getting back to some normalcy again feels really good,” Snell said after his outing. “Throwing bullpens, not facing hitters, it’s tough to stay locked in.”

Saturday’s session marked a significant next step in Snell’s recovery journey. While his primary focus was on getting his arm back to game shape, Snell wasn’t concerned with pinpoint command during this early phase. He was simply focused on getting through the exercise and competing again.

Manager Roberts Talks Next Steps in Snell’s Rehab

Manager Dave Roberts provided some insight into what’s next for Snell, who is essentially in the early stages of spring training. Roberts stated that Snell is expected to face hitters in a two-inning simulated outing next week. As for whether Snell will need two or three more such simulated outings before moving on to a minor league rehab assignment, Roberts was uncertain.

“This one for me, personally, is just an exercise,” Roberts explained. “I’m not really looking for command, to be quite honest. Just getting out there, competing against hitters, and just trying to get through the, call it 20-pitch exercise.”

This approach will allow Snell to build his endurance and reacquaint himself with game situations before moving on to the next stages of his rehab.

Timetable for Snell’s Return: A Late May Outlook

Roberts previously suggested that Snell could return to the Dodgers’ rotation by the end of May, and Saturday’s simulated inning fits within that timeline. With a minimum of two more simulated outings followed by three minor league starts, Snell’s rehab could extend over the next 30 days. If the process unfolds as planned, Snell could return to the Dodgers sometime around May 18–20. Adding a fourth rehab start could push that return into the final week of May.

This approach mirrors how the Dodgers handled their starting pitchers in the past, as patience has been a key part of their strategy. Last season, Snell missed nearly four months due to injury, only returning for the final two months of the regular season and the entire postseason. The team also demonstrated similar patience with Tyler Glasnow, who was out for over two months before returning last July.

A Positive Step in the Right Direction

Despite the delay in Snell’s return, Saturday’s simulated inning represented a crucial step forward. According to Roberts, Snell has shown signs of excitement and eagerness to get back on the mound.

“I talked to him yesterday a little bit in the dugout, and he’s getting antsy,” Roberts said. “But I think he’s just excited because he feels strong, he feels healthy. He’s been working on his diet and stuff, so he’s in a good spot.”

The signs are all pointing in the right direction for Snell, and if all goes well in the coming weeks, he could provide a much-needed boost to the Dodgers’ rotation as they make a push for the 2026 season.

Looking Ahead: Snell’s Potential Impact on the Dodgers

As the Dodgers continue to navigate a tough start to the season, the return of Blake Snell could be a key factor in their success down the stretch. His experience, combined with his ability to dominate on the mound, makes him a crucial part of their rotation once fully healthy. The team’s patience with his rehab will likely pay off, and Snell’s return could be the spark the Dodgers need to reach their championship goals.

Stay tuned for further updates on Snell’s rehab progress, as the Dodgers continue to monitor his recovery closely with hopes of having him back in action by the end of May.