The Los Angeles Dodgers are welcoming back a major piece of their pitching staff just in time for the season’s final push. Left-hander Blake Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million deal in the offseason, has been activated from the injured list and is scheduled to start Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays — the team where his big-league journey began.
Four Months Later, Snell Makes Long-Awaited Comeback
Snell has been sidelined since April 2 with left shoulder inflammation, limiting him to just two starts this season. In that brief stretch, the two-time Cy Young Award winner posted a 2.00 ERA over nine innings, but struggled with command, walking eight batters.
The Dodgers took a cautious approach with Snell’s recovery. After an extended stint on the 60-day injured list, he completed four minor-league rehab starts, including a 4.2-inning, 76-pitch scoreless outing on July 26 with Triple-A Oklahoma City. That performance signaled he was ready to rejoin a rotation already stacked with marquee names.
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In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned newly acquired reliever Paul Gervase, who was added ahead of the trade deadline. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Snell’s return while noting that his workload would be managed carefully in the early stages.
President Andrew Friedman Still Believes in Blake Snell’s Upside
When Snell signed with Los Angeles in November, the Dodgers saw more than just a decorated résumé — they saw untapped potential.
“With a guy that’s enjoyed that much success, usually in major league free agency, you’re buying the backside of a guy’s career, the accomplishments that they have had,” said team president Andrew Friedman after the signing. “With Blake, one thing that’s really exciting for us is… we feel like there’s more in there and a lot of upside beyond what he’s done to this point.”
While the season didn’t start as hoped, the organization still views Snell as a critical postseason piece. He brings playoff pedigree, swing-and-miss stuff, and experience in big moments — traits the Dodgers will lean on as October draws near.
Building a Formidable Six-Man Rotation
Snell’s return allows the Dodgers to implement a six-man rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Emmet Sheehan. It’s an enviable group, especially for a team that has dealt with a flurry of injuries throughout the season.
General Manager Brandon Gomes outlined the club’s cautious philosophy. “It’s just being mindful and methodical about the foundational component and the buildup,” he said, “so that when they come back, they’re running through what we hope is a deep October run.”
Where Things Stand in the NL West
The Dodgers currently lead the National League West by two games over the San Diego Padres. With Snell now healthy, the team expects to solidify its hold on the division and begin sharpening its postseason rotation.
Despite throwing only nine innings this year, Snell’s 2.00 ERA underscores his effectiveness when healthy. The biggest question going forward will be whether he can limit walks and stay durable enough to be a consistent option every fifth (or sixth) day.
Final Word: Dodgers Betting on Experience, Not Just Talent
Blake Snell’s return is about more than numbers. It’s a reminder of the Dodgers’ long-term thinking — investing in a player they believe can shape October success, even if his regular season was derailed early.
As the Dodgers inch closer to clinching another postseason berth, the presence of a healthy and confident Snell could be the kind of variable that tips a playoff series. Facing his old team is just the first step in what the Dodgers hope will be a major second-half surge.