Blake Snell is set for one more rehab start next Tuesday, with the Dodgers continuing to build him toward a five-inning, 75-pitch outing before any return is considered.
That is the key detail after Snell threw 60 pitches across four scoreless innings for Class-A Ontario on Wednesday night. Dave Roberts said on Thursday the club would discuss whether the left-hander needed another minor-league outing or could come back to the Dodgers, but the next step is now clear: Triple-A Oklahoma City at Salt Lake City.
Why the Dodgers are keeping Snell on the plan
Snell’s rehab assignment has been carefully managed after his May surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. This season, he had already started a rehab process for his shoulder, returned early because of a need in the Dodgers’ rotation, and then went back on the injured list after one start.
That history explains why the club is being cautious now. Roberts has made it clear the aim is not simply to get Snell back on a mound, but to get him back with a workload that looks sustainable. Five innings and 75 pitches is the target, and next Tuesday’s outing is designed to move him closer to that mark.
Snell says he understands the buildup
Snell did not sound interested in pushing back against the plan. Speaking about the need to build up gradually, he said, “The buildup of five … I’m not going to argue it. I did last time and I got hurt.” He added: “So, yeah, I’m going to shut up.”
That is a sensible stance from a pitcher who has already learned the hard way that returning too soon can create fresh problems. Snell also said his shoulder pain has gone away completely and linked that improvement to the loose bodies being removed. In his words, “My shoulder pain completely went away. I really feel the chips were what was (causing it).”
The signs are encouraging, but the next outing matters
Snell’s last outing was encouraging beyond the scoreless line. He said he is now “10 times better,” though he still wants to get the curveball going before he can feel fully ready. The fastball has reportedly been sitting at 95 to 97 mph, which is another positive sign as he works through the final stages of the rehab assignment.
For the Dodgers, the main question is no longer whether Snell can throw, but whether he can handle the sort of workload that makes a return realistic. That is why next Tuesday matters. If he gets through another start cleanly and reaches the planned five innings and 75 pitches, the conversation around his return becomes a much more serious one.
Dodgers managing other pitching issues too
The timing is also important because the Dodgers are dealing with other moving parts. Brock Stewart went on the injured list on Friday with a sore shoulder, and Saturday’s imaging will help determine the next step there. Roberts said the club was being proactive and had talked it through with Stewart, noting that the bullpen-day setup was part of the reason for the decision.
Friday night, Cole Irvin was promoted for the bullpen game, while Will Smith was cleared over the weekend to begin his hitting progression. So the picture around the roster remains fluid, but Snell’s path is now the clearest one to watch. One more rehab start is next, and then the Dodgers can decide whether he is ready to join the conversation again.
