The Los Angeles Dodgers do not expect two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to be available for Opening Day as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury that has lingered since last season.
Snell, one of the most accomplished left-handed starters in the majors, has been working his way back after the shoulder issue limited him late in the previous year. While the organization views him as an important part of its long-term pitching plans, team officials are preparing to begin the regular season without him in the starting rotation.
The club has not provided a specific timetable for Snell’s return, focusing instead on ensuring that his shoulder is fully healthy before he resumes a regular workload. The current expectation is that he will need additional time beyond the start of the season to complete his build-up, which typically includes a progression of throwing, bullpen sessions, and live game action.
In Snell’s absence, the Dodgers are expected to rely more heavily on their existing starting depth. That likely means additional opportunities for other members of the rotation and for pitchers competing for back-end spots. The team will need to adjust its early-season pitching plans, including how often starters are used and how innings are distributed, until Snell is cleared to return.
The Dodgers acquired Snell for his proven ability to anchor a staff, highlighted by his two Cy Young Awards and his track record of high-strikeout performances. His shoulder recovery will be closely monitored by team medical staff and coaches, who will determine when he is ready to advance through each stage of his throwing program.
For now, the organization is emphasizing caution, prioritizing Snell’s long-term health and availability over rushing him back for the first series of the season. Once he is ready, Snell is expected to resume his role as a key member of the Dodgers’ rotation, but that return is not anticipated to coincide with Opening Day.
