Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ left-hander, is facing a delayed start to the new baseball season due to lingering shoulder issues that have troubled him since last year. The former two-time Cy Young Award winner impressed in the 2023 National League Championship Series (NLCS) with an extraordinary Game 1 performance, but ongoing shoulder pain has impacted his offseason preparation and readiness for spring training in California.
Snell dominated the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the 2023 NLCS, pitching eight innings with no runs allowed, only one hit, and striking out ten batters. However, the shoulder injury he battled throughout his initial season with the Dodgers resurfaced weeks after that game, causing persistent pain. This has kept him off the mound as the new season approaches in Phoenix, leaving his availability for Opening Day in serious doubt.
The Lingering Shoulder Injury and Cautious Recovery Plan
Following the breakout start in the NLCS, Snell noticed the return of his shoulder discomfort, which remained an issue through the World Series and the offseason. Although he made several appearances in the World Series, including relief innings in Game 7, the pain limited his workload over the winter. As a result, Snell has taken a more measured approach to recovery this spring, completing mostly shoulder physical therapy while holding off on throwing off a pitching mound.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has recently confirmed that Snell’s chances of being available on Opening Day are “probably zero.” The 33-year-old pitcher has not thrown in a structured mound session yet, indicating his progress is behind schedule compared to a normal preseason. Despite this, Snell remains upbeat about his situation, emphasizing trust in the process and patience in his rehabilitation.
Looking Back: Shoulder Troubles During Snell’s First Dodgers Season
Snell’s injury woes began early in his Dodgers tenure when he experienced shoulder inflammation following a spring training game during the team’s trip to Japan last year. He attempted to push through the pain to be ready for the season opener and subsequent starts, but the injury worsened, resulting in a four-month stint on the injured list.
Reflecting on that period, Snell conceded that his eagerness led him to accelerate his return too quickly.
“Last spring, I was so excited to pitch, and I just got myself in a bad spot, getting ready too quick,”
he said.
“What I should’ve done –– once we went to Japan, that’s when I started feeling the shoulder –– I should’ve stopped. But I wanted to pitch Opening Day. And then I wanted to pitch against the Braves after that. And that’s when it was like, ‘Ah.’ I could barely get my shoulder up to throw after that. So then it took a while to get back to normal. … And in the postseason, I felt it again.”
– Blake Snell, Dodgers pitcher
Snell’s Determined Playoff Performances Amid Injury
Despite the shoulder discomfort, Snell delivered some of his best baseball in the postseason. He pitched seven innings with two runs allowed in the wild-card round, followed by six scoreless innings in the Division Series. His near-flawless performance in the NLCS Game 1 illustrated his talent even while managing pain. Although his two World Series starts showed signs of struggle, Snell contributed crucial innings of scoreless relief in Game 7, helping the Dodgers push the game into extra innings against Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the opposing team.
Snell described pitching in the playoffs as the pinnacle experience of his career.
“Pitching in the postseason is the best feeling in the world,”
he said.
“There’s no better feeling than pitching (in that atmosphere), the crowd, the excitement, all the emotions that go into each start. It’s a rush of adrenaline, man. So I want to pitch in more meaningful games.”
– Blake Snell, Dodgers pitcher
He added that to return to that level, he must follow a disciplined and cautious recovery plan.
“I gotta do everything right to get there.”
– Blake Snell, Dodgers pitcher
Current Progress and Outlook for the 2024 Season
This spring, Snell is focusing on rebuilding strength and regaining full function without rushing back prematurely. Currently, he is limited to 90 feet in catch play, but he has observed increased velocity in recent days. The Dodgers staff remains hopeful that he will be able to throw off a mound before the end of spring training camp, which will allow them to establish a clearer timetable for his return to the rotation.
Snell emphasized the importance of patience and adherence to his rehabilitation plan.
“But I’m taking my time, trusting them. … Just gotta take this slow, take the course.”
– Blake Snell, Dodgers pitcher
His ultimate goal is to be healthy and impactful for the postseason once again, as he aims to build on his playoff success and contribute to the Dodgers’ championship ambitions this fall.
Significance of Snell’s Recovery and Implications for the Dodgers
Blake Snell’s shoulder health and readiness will be a major storyline for the Dodgers in the 2024 season. As a high-profile signing with elite pitching capabilities, his availability could significantly influence the team’s rotation strength and postseason aspirations. The cautious approach reflects the balance between long-term durability and short-term gains, underscoring the challenges faced by pitchers recovering from shoulder injuries.
How quickly Snell adapts to his recovery regimen and returns to full form will determine not only his personal trajectory but also the Dodgers’ strategic plans for the season. Meanwhile, his positive attitude and commitment to proper healing provide optimism behind the scenes as spring training progresses in Phoenix.
