As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their preparations during spring training for the 2026 season, questions linger over the availability of star pitcher Blake Snell for Opening Day. Concerns about a shoulder injury have cast doubt on whether Snell can be fully ready when the Dodgers take the field on March 26, with manager Dave Roberts expressing cautious optimism but highlighting the challenges ahead.
Manager Dave Roberts Comments on Snell’s Recovery Progress
Speaking about Snell’s rehabilitation, Dave Roberts noted that progress is being made, though Snell’s throwing has so far been limited to flat-ground sessions rather than full bullpen work. Roberts emphasized the limited timeframe available for Snell’s preparation and acknowledged that it will be difficult for him to reach full readiness by Opening Day.
Dave Roberts said Blake Snell has been making progress in his throwing progression (which, for now, has still been limited to flat-ground sessions,
Jack Harris reported on X, formerly Twitter.
But he acknowledged that, given the calendar, it’s gonna be ‘hard’ for him to be ready for opening day.
Roberts has maintained that while time is running short, Opening Day is not considered a strict deadline for Snell’s return. This approach was reiterated by Roberts in comments reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Time’s ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us,
Roberts explained.
Blake Snell’s Own Remarks on His Expected Timeline
Despite the team’s cautious stance, Blake Snell himself indicated optimism about being available early in the season. In late January, Snell acknowledged that his shoulder continued to cause some discomfort through the World Series, but insisted it was manageable with rest and physical therapy. He described a slow, careful return during spring training but indicated that making the Opening Day roster was still the intended goal.
Blake Snell said his shoulder continued to bother him through the World Series, but it wasn’t anything that required more than physical therapy and rest. He will be slow-played this spring. As far as Opening Day? ‘That’s the plan,’ Snell said,
Fabian Aradaya reported on X.
Last season, the 33-year-old Snell posted strong numbers, finishing with a 2.35 ERA, 72 strikeouts, and a 5-4 record across 11 games. His availability on Opening Day remains one of the most closely watched storylines as the Dodgers finalize their roster and strategies for the upcoming campaign.
Dave Roberts said Blake Snell has been making progress in his throwing progression (which, for now, has still been limited to flat-ground sessions)
But he acknowledged that, given the calendar, it’s gonna be “hard” for him to be ready for opening day
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 27, 2026
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
Blake Snell said his shoulder continued to bother him through the World Series, but it wasn’t anything that required more than physical therapy and rest.
He will be slow played this spring. As far as Opening Day? “That’s the plan,” Snell said.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) January 31, 2026
