The Los Angeles Dodgers may be without a pair of key contributors to begin the 2026 season, but a new update from manager Dave Roberts on Monday offers a clearer timeline for their return.
Speaking Monday, Roberts said the team is hopeful left-hander Blake Snell and versatile infielder Tommy Edman could both return around the end of May.
The update, first reported by Jack Harris, signals that while neither player will be available early in the season, the Dodgers believe both are trending in the right direction.
Snell has been brought along slowly this spring as he continues to deal with a lingering shoulder issue. Meanwhile, Edman is recovering from ankle surgery he underwent back in November. While the absences are significant, the organization appears focused on taking a long-term approach rather than rushing either player back too soon.
Dodgers Taking Long-Term Approach with Snell
The situation with Snell is less about a new injury and more about managing workload and recovery. After pitching deep into October during the Dodgers’ World Series run last year, the 33-year-old left-hander entered camp still working his way back physically.
Roberts made it clear the team is prioritizing durability over urgency. Snell has already begun throwing off a mound, which is an important step forward.
However, he still needs to build up his arm strength and eventually face live hitters before being cleared for game action.
That cautious approach makes sense given how dominant Snell was when healthy last season. In limited action, he posted a 2.35 ERA with 72 strikeouts across just over 61 innings.
The Dodgers know what he can be at full strength, and preserving that version of him for the bulk of the season and another potential postseason run appears to be the priority.
Dodgers’ Tommy Edman Recovery on Same Timeline
Edman’s timeline appears to be running parallel to Snell’s. Roberts noted the expectation is that he could also become an option toward the end of May.
The veteran utility player has been working his way back from ankle surgery. While he still has steps remaining in his recovery process, the outlook is increasingly positive.
Edman’s versatility makes him a valuable piece for Los Angeles, capable of impacting games both defensively and offensively across multiple positions.
Having both Snell and Edman return around the same time could provide a major midseason boost. While the Dodgers will need to navigate the early part of the schedule without them, the latest update suggests overall good news for the Dodgers as they push for a three-peat.
Dodgers Get Key Blake Snell, Tommy Edman Return Timeline Update