Blake Snell has made significant strides in his recovery, throwing 76 pitches in a rehabilitation outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Ahead of his anticipated return to the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts announced that Snell will be activated from the 60-day injured list this week as the team transitions to a six-man rotation. This comes after a challenging period for the left-hander, who faced shoulder inflammation that sidelined him after just two appearances in April.
Snell’s injury history has fueled concerns, but his past performance highlights his immense potential when healthy, as demonstrated by two Cy Young Awards and his remarkable late-season surge last year with a 1.23 ERA in his final 14 starts. If he can replicate that success, he will significantly bolster a Dodgers pitching staff that has struggled with injuries.
The transition to a six-man rotation is a strategic move aimed at managing the innings of key starters, particularly as the Dodgers navigate potential postseason aspirations. This rotation will comprise Snell, Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and either Dustin May or Emmet Sheehan.
Ohtani, who has also been gradually increasing his innings, is set to pitch four frames in his next two starts. This adjustment indicates a broader recovery plan, as the team opts to provide him with adequate rest, allowing him to balance his dual role as both pitcher and designated hitter effectively.
The Dodgers are also addressing their pitching depth at the minor league level, shifting Bobby Miller from the rotation to a relief role in a bid to rebuild his confidence after a challenging start to his season. Miller, who had a promising entry into the majors, experienced complications that affected his performance, leading to this strategic change.
Additionally, the Dodgers welcomed back Blake Treinen from the injured list, reflecting their efforts to strengthen their bullpen as the trade deadline approaches. Treinen has previously been a reliable asset, and his return could support the team as they look to acquire further bullpen depth from external sources.
In summary, Snell’s impending return and the strategic adjustments in the pitching roster highlight the Dodgers’ proactive approach to manage injuries while preparing for a competitive push as the season progresses. As the team adapts, they remain optimistic about their chances for success moving forward.