Dodgers Blake Snell Nears Return After Shoulder Injury

Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, has been sidelined since early April due to left shoulder inflammation but has recently resumed throwing after a positive evaluation by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Despite setbacks including discomfort following an April bullpen session and a shoulder injection, Snell has begun a throwing progression, signaling cautious optimism about his recovery timeline. The Dodgers, who rely heavily on their pitching staff, are eager for Snell's return given the current injuries to key starters such as Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Shohei Ohtani, and Clayton Kershaw, though Kershaw is expected back soon. Snell, signed to a five-year, $182 million contract, has struggled with durability throughout his career but remains a critical asset with his elite pitching ability and a 3.00 ERA when healthy. He is taking a patient, day-by-day approach to rehab, acknowledging the mental challenges of being on the injured list but remains confident he will return at full strength. The Dodgers' rotation is expected to strengthen significantly once Snell and Kershaw fully recover, bolstering their strong 2025 season and postseason aspirations.