Blake Snell says Dodgers’ rotation is exceeding expectations as reinforcements return
The Los Angeles Dodgers are finally starting to see the depth they hoped for as a wave of returnees from the injured list steps back into the rotation and bullpen. Among them, Blake Snell—who helped anchor the pitching staff last offseason with his Cy Young pedigree—has been encouraged by what he’s seen on the mound and in the clubhouse since his own comeback.
“Honestly, right now, watching everybody, it’s a lot better than I thought we were going to be,” Snell said. “This staff’s stacked.” Since returning from a four-month IL layoff, the two-time Cy Young winner has been efficient, logging 18 strikeouts and just three walks over 10 innings across two starts, while allowing only three earned runs.
The bounce-back story isn’t limited to Snell. Tyler Glasnow, who returned from injuries after missing a lengthy stretch, has posted a 2.17 ERA across five starts since his comeback, hinting at the kind of front-line impact the Dodgers hoped to recapture when they added him to the rotation this season.
Adding to the upside is the anticipated return of Roki Sasaki, who is set to begin a rehab assignment this week and is on track to rejoin the rotation after what would be eight MLB starts at the level. Sasaki’s presence, even in a phased return, gives Los Angeles another high-ceiling arm to lean on as it pursues late-season momentum.
On the bullpen side, the Dodgers expect a steady influx of relief help with Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech all nearing a return before October. Blake Treinen has already come back from his own IL stint, offering more late-inning flexibility for manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts spoke about the practical impact of the refreshed rotation and bullpen, emphasizing that the combination of strong probables on any given night and a potent lineup creates real opportunities to go on a run. “Every night you see the probables and you feel like you really have a chance to prevent runs,” he said. “Then you look at the lineup and you feel we have an opportunity to score. Then you’ve got to go play the game. This is how we can go on a run.”
Impact for the stretch run
The Dodgers’ improved depth comes at a critical moment as they push toward October, with the potential for more flexible pitching plans and better matchups deep into the season. The combination of Snell’s efficiency, Glasnow’s resurgence, Sasaki’s high-end ceiling, and a healthier bullpen could allow the Dodgers to spread workload strategically, protect arms, and keep the offense firing in a tighter playoff race.
For fans and analysts, the message is clear: the roster is evolving into a more formidable, multi-layered unit. If the returns hold and the link between the rotation and bullpen remains seamless, Los Angeles could not only stabilize late-season performance but also build momentum that translates into a postseason push.
Summary of the outlook
– The Dodgers are getting a clearer sense of a stacked pitching staff as key players return.
– Blake Snell’s early results back his optimism, with strong strikeout-to-walk numbers and a low earned-run tally in his first two outings back from the IL.
– Tyler Glasnow has shown signs of ace-level form in his comeback, reinforcing the top-end talent in the rotation.
– Roki Sasaki’s rehab and planned reintroduction add another high-ceiling arm to the mix.
– The bullpen’s depth is increasing, giving Roberts flexible late-inning options.
– Manager Dave Roberts is optimistic about the team’s potential to go on a run with this revamped depth and balanced lineup.
Additional notes and value
– If the health holds, the Dodgers could manage workloads more effectively, giving Snell, Glasnow, and Sasaki ample rest before the postseason while still maintaining a strong rotation front-to-back.
– This depth also opens the door for strategic roster decisions as the trade deadline approaches, should the club choose to reinforce other positions or preserve arms for October.
– The overall mood around the team appears upbeat, with players and staff expressing confidence in the tides turning in their favor as October nears.
Overall, the Dodgers are optimistically riding a wave of returning talent, with a pitching staff that looks deeper and more versatile than many anticipated at this stage of the season.