The Los Angeles Dodgers open the season March 26 in San Diego. Manager Dave Roberts is setting up his rotation. Blake Snell won’t be part of it.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner has battled shoulder soreness since the offseason ended. Rest didn’t help. Spring training arrived without improvement. Snell couldn’t ramp up with the rest of the staff.
Thursday brought progress. Snell threw off a mound for the first time this spring. He also revealed when he wants to return.
Blake Snell Targetting Early Return
Snell stepped on the mound at Camelback Ranch on Thursday. Reporters and fans watched. The Dodgers had a Cactus League game scheduled later that night. Snell threw before it started.
“I feel good,” Snell said. “I was very excited to throw off the mound again and pitch. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while. This being like the first one where I actually could have the catcher down. I was still limited to what I could throw. I was throwing 87 to 89 [mph]. It felt effortless, easy, could command the ball, so [I’m] happy with that. [I’m] just happy to continue to grow and get better.”
The left-hander wants to pitch in April. He’s pushing for it. The Dodgers are holding him back.
“I want to pitch in April,” Snell said. “That’s my goal. So, I’ve kind of been the one pushing it, and they’re being more cautious. I think we’re just talking a little back and forth, but I think them seeing me throw a pen today, hopefully that just gives them more confidence to keep it going.”
The Dodgers will make decisions based on how his body responds. April remains his target. Whether he hits it is another question.
GettyThe Los Angeles Dodgers got good news on Blake Snell, who returned to the mound.
Roberts Pumps the Brakes on Timeline
Dave Roberts wasn’t ready to discuss Snell’s return date. The Dodgers manager kept his expectations measured.
“I think honestly, to think about when he’s going to come back, we’re just a ways away from even really having that conversation,” Roberts said.
Roberts acknowledged the balance between wanting Snell healthy and needing him on the mound.
“We still need him to pitch, and I know he understands that,” Roberts said. “But we do have the luxury of trying to err on the side of caution. … We are certainly better when he’s pitching for us, when he’s active.”
GettyDespite Roki Sasaki’s spring-training struggles, manager Dave Roberts is confident in the right-hander in 2026.
What Dodgers Rotation Might Look Like
The Dodgers have the luxury to wait. The rotation is stacked even without Snell.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto leads the group. Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani follow. Those three give Los Angeles an elite top of the rotation.
Emmet Sheehan has likely locked down a spot. He impressed in a hybrid role last year. The Dodgers view him as the clear choice to replace Snell. His spring performance confirmed it. Roki Sasaki likely takes the fifth spot.
The rotation depth means no panic. Snell can take his time. When he’s ready, the Dodgers will make room.
GettyShohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Final Word for the Dodgers
Blake Snell wants to pitch in April.
Dave Roberts isn’t committing to that timeline yet. The Dodgers have the depth to be patient. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki give Los Angeles five starters without Snell.
April is the goal. Whether he makes it remains to be seen.
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