The Los Angeles Dodgers may begin the 2026 MLB season without Blake Snell, as the veteran pitcher has indicated a delayed ramp-up that could prevent him from being ready for Opening Day. This uncertainty arises amid Snell’s recent recovery from left shoulder inflammation, which sidelined him for four months last season.
Katie Woo of The Athletic highlighted growing concerns around Snell’s status as the Dodgers prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26. Speaking on February 23, Woo reported that Snell was still limited to throwing off flat ground, which casts doubt on his readiness for the season opener.
No real update on Blake Snell other than he’s throwing off flat ground,
Woo wrote on X.
Spring calendar is obviously putting his Opening Day status in doubt.
– Katie Woo, The Athletic
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also addressed the situation, emphasizing a cautious timeline for Snell’s return.
Time’s ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us,
Roberts said.
Los Angeles Dodgers Adopt a Careful Strategy with Snell’s Recovery
The Dodgers have a reputation for managing their pitching staff conservatively, especially when dealing with injuries to key starters like Blake Snell. Their priority is ensuring pitchers remain healthy and effective as the season progresses, particularly for postseason success. This measured approach may explain why the team appears willing to delay Snell’s return past Opening Day.
Former MLB executive David Samson offered insight into the Dodgers’ tactics, noting that their decision to delay Snell’s start is strategic rather than due to a lack of ability to play sooner.
The Dodgers announcing that Blake Snell [is] not ready for the start of the season is not because Blake Snell cannot be ready for the start of the season,
Samson said on “Nothing Personal with David Samson.”
The reason Blake Snell is not ready for the start of the season is because they are very aware that to keep him healthy late, you got to start him late. Blake Snell came out and said his arm was tired, his arm’s exhausted.
He had five postseason starts; he pitched in relief [and] he’s just done… I am not going to impugn the Los Angeles Dodgers front office. I’m going to go the opposite. Congratulations on giving us a roadmap to what is necessary to win through October. We always had the feeling that we were going to have injuries and that pitchers starting 30 games plus is something in the past, and now we know.
– David Samson, Former MLB Executive
Roki Sasaki Positioned to Seize Starting Role Opportunity
With Snell’s Opening Day participation uncertain, rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki has a chance to establish himself as a reliable starter for the Dodgers. Entering his second MLB season, Sasaki is working to cement his place in the rotation and impress the coaching staff.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith commented on Sasaki’s development, highlighting promising aspects of his pitching repertoire and overall form.
He’s throwing the ball hard. The fastball looks really good. The splitter looks really good. He’s been working on a little cutter/slider‑type thing, just really trying to dial that in. We’re going to see him as well, just something going the other way. Yeah, he looks good.
– Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher
Implications of Snell’s Delayed Start for the Dodgers’ Season
The gradual approach to Blake Snell’s return underlines the Dodgers’ commitment to long-term success rather than quick fixes. Allowing pitchers extra time to recover may reduce the risk of aggravating injuries, enhancing performance in critical late-season and postseason games.
Relying on emerging talents like Roki Sasaki also reflects the team’s depth and adaptability. As Opening Day approaches, the Dodgers’ strategy illustrates a balance between patient rehabilitation and preparing newcomers to contribute effectively.
No real update on Blake Snell other than he's throwing off flat ground. Spring calendar is obviously putting his Opening Day status in doubt.
"Time's ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us," Dave Roberts said.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 23, 2026
https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/2024619468811620846
