The Los Angeles Dodgers spent lavishly during the offseason, even after clinching the World Series in October. Bolstering the starting rotation was their chief focus, with two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell being the first major splash.
However, Snell is enduring a challenging start to his Dodgers tenure. The 32-year-old lefty had been placed on the 15-day IL in the very first month of the season due to shoulder inflammation, and his injury has now taken a turn for the worse.
Blake Snell Suffers Injury Setback, Dodgers Scrap Bullpen Session
The Dodgers have temporarily shut down Snell after he complained of discomfort in his injured left shoulder on Tuesday. Snell complained about the shoulder pain while playing catch, thus causing the Dodgers to cancel a scheduled bullpen session.
The team will examine the pitcher further after returning home from a five-day road trip, which concluded on Wednesday following a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
"That is something that is very worrisome." @AlannaRizzo and @RealFRG react to the news that Blake Snell is headed for more testing on his shoulder. pic.twitter.com/zsDx3kp69v
— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory)
While some might expect a worst-case scenario, the Dodgers don’t appear too worried. Los Angeles is deliberately playing it slow with the recoveries of all its injured players, especially the stars. The team’s priority is being healthy in October, even if it means missing extra time in the regular season.
“I wouldn’t say concerning,” Roberts told reporters in regards to Snell’s injury setback. “Because part of the messaging from us to Blake is, it’s about later on in the season. And if there’s any type of discomfort, let’s not try to fight through it.”
“So, I say this a lot, given where we’re at right now on the calendar, not concerned at all,” Roberts added.
Snell has made just two starts this season before landing on the injured list. He tossed a total of nine innings and posted a 2.00 ERA, four strikeouts, and eight walks. This is certainly not what was expected after the Dodgers signed him to a five-year, $182 million contract.
Snell had started a throwing program last week after the initial MRI scans showed inflammation on his left shoulder but no structural damage. On Easter Sunday, he took his first bullpen session since landing on the IL while the team was in Texas for a three-game series with the Rangers.
Nevertheless, the Dodgers are well-equipped to deal with the absence of the left-hander thanks to the long line of starting pitchers on their roster. So far, they have used Landon Knack, Justin Wrobleski, and Bobby Miller as spot starters in his position.
Meanwhile, fellow pitcher Tony Gonsolin is also waiting in the wings after completing his fourth and, quite possibly, his last rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.