Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace pitcher Blake Snell has provided a major update on his shoulder injury, giving fans and the team a glimpse of hope for his return. Snell, who’s been dealing with shoulder soreness, recently participated in a bullpen session, throwing 30 pitches to gauge his pain tolerance. This marks a significant step in his recovery process.
According to Snell, the pain still lingers, but he’s optimistic about his progress. “Hey — I’m 32 now, not 23. Once I get throwing, I’m good,” Snell said. “When I play catch, I don’t feel it. When I get out here, I’m good. It’s like when I wake up I gotta get it going.” Snell’s next step will be another bullpen session, followed by a simulated game or possibly a Triple-A rehab contest.
The Dodgers’ rotation has seen some upheaval with Snell’s injury, coupled with the expected returns of Clayton Kershaw, Shohei Ohtani, Tony Gonsolin, and others. The team’s bullpen has taken a toll, especially with Tyler Glasnow’s recent injury scare. Glasnow exited Sunday’s game due to lower leg cramps but appears to avoid serious injury.
*Snell’s Injury Timeline:*
– *Initial Injury*: Snell was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation after making two starts.
– *Throwing Progress*: Snell threw his first bullpen session on April 19, tossing 30 pitches to assess his pain tolerance.
– *Next Steps*: Snell will participate in another bullpen session, followed by a simulated game or rehab contest.
– *Expected Return*: No clear timeline for Snell’s return has been announced, but he’s expected to rejoin the team without a rehab assignment.¹ ²
Snell’s shoulder issue has bothered him for longer than expected, with pain lingering for weeks. Despite this, Snell met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers’ lead physician, and no structural damage was found. Snell’s situation has raised concerns among fans, given the commonality of shoulder injuries leading to major surgery in baseball. However, Snell has mostly avoided major surgeries throughout his career.
The Dodgers have depth to cover for Snell, with Landon Knack expected to get the ball in the series finale against the Nationals. Other potential factors in Snell’s return include Tony Gonsolin, who’s making steady progress toward a return around late April or early May.
*Dodgers’ Injury Updates:*
– *Tyler Glasnow*: Glasnow exited Sunday’s game due to lower leg cramps but appears to avoid serious injury.
– *Tony Gonsolin*: Gonsolin is making steady progress toward a return after injuring his back in the weight room during Spring Training.
– *Other Injuries*: The Dodgers have over 10 pitchers on the IL already this year, including rookies who underwent Tommy John surgery last year.
