{"id":175611,"date":"2026-04-12T08:52:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T08:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=175611"},"modified":"2026-04-12T08:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T08:52:28","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8exclusive-blake-snell-takes-a-huge-step-in-his-rehab-journey-facing-hitters-for-the-first-time-since-his-injury-will-this-be-the-turning-point-that-gets-him-back-on-track-or-could-ther","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=175611","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8EXCLUSIVE: Blake Snell takes a huge step in his rehab journey, facing hitters for the first time since his injury! Will this be the turning point that gets him back on track, or could there be more setbacks ahead? The tension is building as fans eagerly await his return to the mound. ..ll \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

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BLAKE SNELL TAKES A STEP FORWARD IN RECOVERY: FIRST SIMULATED INNING OF 2026 SEASON<\/strong><\/p>\n

LOS ANGELES<\/strong> \u2013 After starting the season sidelined with shoulder fatigue, Blake Snell<\/strong> took an important step forward in his rehab process on Saturday afternoon<\/strong> at Dodger Stadium<\/strong>, pitching a simulated inning<\/strong> in his first outing against hitters for the year. This was the latest development in his journey back to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation<\/strong>, and the excitement around his recovery is building.<\/p>\n

Snell Faces Hitters for the First Time This Year<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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

The outing was part of Snell\u2019s rehabilitation after a slow start to spring training, as he had not thrown a bullpen session until March 12<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Snell Reflects on the Progress Made<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very excited about how I feel, where I\u2019m at. Getting back to some normalcy again feels really good,\u201d Snell said after his outing. \u201cThrowing bullpens, not facing hitters, it\u2019s tough to stay locked in.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019t concerned with pinpoint command during this early phase. He was simply focused on getting through the exercise and competing again.<\/p>\n

Manager Roberts Talks Next Steps in Snell\u2019s Rehab<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Manager Dave Roberts<\/strong> provided some insight into what\u2019s 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one for me, personally, is just an exercise,\u201d Roberts explained. \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Timetable for Snell\u2019s Return: A Late May Outlook<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Roberts previously suggested that Snell could return to the Dodgers\u2019 rotation by the end of May<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>. If the process unfolds as planned, Snell could return to the Dodgers sometime around May 18\u201320<\/strong>. Adding a fourth rehab start could push that return into the final week of May<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, who was out for over two months before returning last July.<\/p>\n

A Positive Step in the Right Direction<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Dodgers'<\/p>\n

Despite the delay in Snell\u2019s return, Saturday\u2019s simulated inning represented a crucial step forward. According to Roberts, Snell has shown signs of excitement and eagerness to get back on the mound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI talked to him yesterday a little bit in the dugout, and he\u2019s getting antsy,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cBut I think he\u2019s just excited because he feels strong, he feels healthy. He\u2019s been working on his diet and stuff, so he\u2019s in a good spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019 rotation as they make a push for the 2026 season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead: Snell\u2019s Potential Impact on the Dodgers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/strong> once fully healthy. The team\u2019s patience with his rehab will likely pay off, and Snell\u2019s return could be the spark the Dodgers need to reach their championship goals.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for further updates on Snell\u2019s rehab progress, as the Dodgers continue to monitor his recovery closely with hopes of having him back in action by the end of May.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BLAKE SNELL TAKES A STEP FORWARD IN RECOVERY: FIRST SIMULATED INNING OF 2026 SEASON LOS ANGELES \u2013 After starting the season sidelined with shoulder fatigue, Blake Snell… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":175613,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-175611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8EXCLUSIVE: Blake Snell takes a huge step in his rehab journey, facing hitters for the first time since his injury! Will this be the turning point that gets him back on track, or could there be more setbacks ahead? 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