Friday, May 8 marks the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ first game of a three-game series against the MLB-leading Atlanta Braves.
The Braves are 11 of their last 14 games, whereas the Dodgers have struggled a bit the last few series, but turned it around in their series against the Houston Astros. They secured a 12-2 win on Wednesday, but starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow left the game early due to lower back pain.
Whether or not Glasnow hits the IL is still unknown, the Dodgers did get good news about a pitcher set to make his season debut on Saturday, May 9.
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Blake Snell is Set to Make Season Debut Against the Atlanta Braves on His Bobblehead Night
Los Angeles Dodgers’ left-handed ace Blake Snell was scheduled to make one final rehab outing in Single-A, but instead will be making his season debut at Dodger Stadium instead. Coincidentally, Snell will be taking the mound on his bobblehead night.
Returning on your bobblehead night is so sick.
“Blake Snell will start for the Dodgers this Saturday, rather than make a final rehab outing, per source,” Dodgers’ beat writer Jack Harris shared to X. “TBD what corresponding move will be — but could obviously have something to do with Tyler Glasnow’s back injury”
Katie Woo of The Athletic, reports that Los Angeles Dodgers manger Dave Roberts preferred Snell to build up to more than five innings in his rehab start before getting reinstated. However, with the recent injury to Glasnow it seems as if the Dodgers have shifted their rotation plan over the next couple of days.
Despite potentially losing Glasnow, Snell’s return is great news for the Dodgers’ rotation, as he was one of their finest arms last season.
Snell dealt with the same shoulder fatigue that started him on the 15-day IL this season in 2025. Although he spent four months on the injury list, Snell made quite the impact on the Dodgers’ rotation.
Snell had a 5-4 record in 11 starts and 61.1 innings pitched. The lefty posted a 2.35 ERA, allowed only three home runs, recorded 72 K’s, and had a .230 opponent batting average.
In the postseason, Snell pitched in six games–five of which were starts–and had a 3.12 ERA, 41 K’s, and a .183 opponent batting average through 34 innings.
Dodgers Get Amazing Blake Snell Injury News Ahead of Braves Series