Blake Snell (shoulder) threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Thursday.

The good news is that the 33-year-old southpaw experienced no issues with the session and will continue his throwing progression from there. He’s going to begin the season on the injured list though, with a goal of returning before the end of April. Fantasy managers who want to gamble on him on draft day should plan to be without the left-hander for the first five or six weeks of the season at a minimum.

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts acknowledged on Friday that it’s unlikely Blake Snell (shoulder) will be ready in time for Opening Day.

Roberts told reporters that the 33-year-old southpaw is making progress in his throwing progression, there’s just not enough time left in the calendar for him to fully ramp up before the start of the regular season. Expect the Dodgers to continue to take a cautious approach here, as their only concern is that Snell is healthy and ready to go in October.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Blake Snell (shoulder) might not be ready for Opening Day.

Roberts added that Los Angeles’ season opener in late March wasn’t necessarily their target date for Snell to join the club’s rotation. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw was limited to just 11 regular-season starts last year due to persistent shoulder issues, which is why the Dodgers are slow-playing his ramp-up process this spring. The general expectation is that Snell will be ready to make his season debut at some point in the early stages of the year, but he’s behind the rest of the club’s starters in camp right now. There should be some additional clarity regarding his timeline once he progresses to facing hitters again. He’s a risky early-round selection in fantasy drafts this spring given his checkered injury history but he’s been excellent when he’s healthy enough to take the mound.

Blake Snell, who was dealing with shoulder discomfort at the end of last season, has yet to try throwing off a mound as he prepares for the 2026 season.

It’s part of Snell’s plan to throw more innings this season after being limited to 11 regular-season starts last year. He’s still aiming to be a part of the Opening Day rotation, but any bit of trouble this spring will probably put him on the IL initially. “He’s playing catch,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s throwing. Once he gets off the mound, throws a pen, faces some hitters, we’ll know more. But obviously he’s not there right now.”

Blake Snell said Thursday that he was “tired” and “exhausted” after throwing 34 innings in last year’s postseason and that he’s slow-played his offseason schedule as a result.

“You want to ramp up, but I gotta take my time and get healthy,” Snell told the California Post’s Jack Harris. He said the plan is still for him to be ready for Opening Day, but he’s also not going to take any chances this spring. None of this seems like great news, but it’s not like anyone is penciling in Snell for 180 innings anyway; he’s topped 130 just twice in the majors. If he’s at his best for 130 innings this year, it’ll probably be enough for him to justify his draft day price tag. Should Snell be unavailable initially, it’d probably lock up rotation spots for Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki in L.A. and open the door for Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius or maybe River Ryan to open up as the sixth starter.

Blake Snell allowed five runs in 6 2/3 innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday in Game 5 of the World Series.

Snell struck out seven and walked four. The first two runs came on the first three pitches, as he gave up a leadoff-homer to Davis Schneider and a solo tank to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He settled down nicely, but another run was scored after a horrendous defensive play by Teoscar Hernandez turned a single into a triple and a sac fly scored Daulton Varsho. The last two runs were scored after he exited the game, but it’s another disappointing World Series start from a pitcher who was so dominant in helping Los Angeles reach the Fall Classic. He’ll likely be a bullpen option for Game 7, if the series gets there.

Blake Snell worked five-plus innings and allowed five runs against the Blue Jays in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday.

Snell allowed his first homer in 190 batters when he gave up a two-run homer to Daulton Varsho. The left-hander had been dominant in his previous three starts in the postseason, but the left-hander struggled to locate; particularly with his change. Three of the runs came in the sixth, as Snell loaded the bases and Emmet Sheehan was entirely ineffective taking over for the 32-year-old. Assuming the series makes it to five games, Snell will be back on the bump against Toronto in Los Angeles for that start Wednesday.

Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start the first two games of the World Series against the Blue Jays.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Snell will kick off the Fall Classic when he takes the ball in Game 1 at the Rogers Centre on Friday night. The 32-year-old southpaw has posted a sublime 0.86 ERA across 21 innings over three starts this postseason. Yamamoto draws the starting assignment for Game 2 on Saturday evening in Toronto on the heels of a complete-game win over the Brewers his last time out in the NLCS.

Blake Snell recorded 10 strikeouts over eight shutout innings in Monday’s Game 1 win over the Brewers.

Snell put together another playoff masterpiece in Milwaukee to kick off the NLCS, retiring 17 consecutive batters following Caleb Durbin’s third-inning single to keep the Brewers off the board through eight dominant frames. He generated an eye-popping 22 swinging strikes and threw 69 of 103 pitches for strikes. The 32-year-old southpaw has notched at least nine strikeouts and allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his three starts this postseason. He’s rapidly evolving into one of baseball’s true big-game pitchers, the kind whose presence tilts the playing field in October.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts declined to name a Game 1 starter during workouts on Saturday.

The assumption is that Blake Snell will go Monday in Game 1, followed by Shohei Ohtani in Game 2. That would give Othani five days’ rest for a potential Game 6 start, which is something the Dodgers would certainly prefer. The Dodgers are expected to add a pitcher for the NLCS. Kirby Yates is eligible to return from his strained hamstring and could be the choice. Outfielder Justin Dean could lose his spot.

Blake Snell recorded nine strikeouts over six shutout innings in Monday’s Game 2 win over the Phillies.

Snell locked horns with Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo in a classic postseason pitcher’s duel that remained scoreless until the seventh, when the Dodgers finally broke through. The 32-year-old southpaw was dominant into the middle innings, allowing only two baserunners and holding Philadelphia hitless until Edmundo Sosa lined a single to shallow right-center in the fifth. He got into trouble in the next frame with consecutive walks to Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber but escaped by striking out Bryce Harper and inducing a harmless ground out from Alec Bohm on his 99th pitch of the night. Snell generated 23 swinging strikes and finished with a near-elite 37 percent CSW. He’s recorded a microscopic 1.38 ERA with an 18/5 K/BB ratio across 13 innings in two starts this postseason.

Blake Snell will start Game 2 of the NLDS on Monday against the Phillies.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets the ball for Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. It’s unclear at the moment whether Tyler Glasnow will take the ball for Game 4, if necessary, once the series shifts to Los Angeles after throwing 34 pitches in relief during Game 1. The Dodgers figure to have Clayton Kershaw available to follow Snell in relief on Monday evening after Shohei Ohtani fired six innings to help propel the club to a Game 1 victory.

Blake Snell pitched two-run ball for seven innings and struck out nine in defeating the Reds in Tuesday’s Game 1.

Snell allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings before the Reds got to him for two singles and a double in the seventh. Still, it was quite the impressive showing; Snell generated 19 whiffs on 39 swings and had a 41% CSW. He moved to 5-3 with a 3.23 ERA and a 70/24 K/BB in 55 2/3 career postseason innings.

Blake Snell will start Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Reds.

It’s now official that Snell will take the ball for Tuesday night’s postseason opener at Dodger Stadium. He’ll most likely be followed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, if necessary, in the best-of-three series against Cincinnati. The 32-year-old southpaw will spearhead Los Angeles’ playoff rotation after a stellar second half where he posted a pristine 2.41 ERA and 68/18 K/BB ratio across 52 1/3 innings over his final nine starts.

Blake Snell is likely to start Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Reds.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wouldn’t make it official over the weekend, but told reporters it was a “pretty good bet” that Snell would take the ball on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. He’ll most likely be followed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, if necessary, in the best-of-three series. We’re anticipating the 32-year-old southpaw drawing the starting assignment after a stellar second half where he posted a pristine 2.41 ERA and 68/18 K/BB ratio across 52 1/3 innings over his final nine starts.

Blake Snell allowed one run over six innings to get a no-decision against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Snell gave up a sac fly in the first inning to Gabriel Moreno and then went unscatched. It was the final regular season start for Snell, but we’ll certainly see him in the rotation for the Dodgers in the Wild Card round; be it in Los Angeles or potentially away in San Diego or Chicago. The left-hander finishes his 2025 campaign with a 2.35 ERA and 72/29 K/BB ratio over 11 starts and 61 1/3 innings.

Blake Snell stuck out 12 over seven scoreless innings in a win over the Phillies on Wednesday.

Snell allowed only two hits — both singles — and he walked two. The left-hander had the Philadelphia hitters guessing all evening, and he generated a sensational 24 swings-and-misses on 112 pitches. That’s now 23 strikeouts over his last two starts, and Snell looks ready to roll for the postseason. His final regular season start — for now — is scheduled for next Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

Blake Snell shut out the Rockies for six innings and struck out 11 in earning his fourth win Wednesday.

Snell’s velocity was down in his first two starts back from paternity leave, but he was back up to 95.0 mph on average against the Rockies and he got 22 misses on 45 swings. He topped his previous season high in strikeouts by one, and it’s the 37th 10-strikeout game of his career. It looks like he might wind up peaking at the right time for the Dodgers, though he’ll get a better test against the Phillies next week.

Blake Snell surrendered five runs in five innings Thursday in a loss to the Pirates.

The good news was that his velocity was back up some after dropping last week after a stay on the paternity list; he averaged 94.5 mph with his fastball tonight, putting him right in between last week’s average of 93.7 mph and his season mark of 95.4 mph. He gave up nine hits tonight anyway, but he allowed just four hard-hit balls, and he struck out six. It was a disappointing start for those counting on him fantasy leagues, but not a bad sign going forward. He’ll make his next start Wednesday against the Rockies or Friday against the Giants.

Blake Snell allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss Friday to the Diamondbacks.

Snell allowed a two-run homer in the fourth and was charged for another run in the sixth on a single by Gabriel Moreno. The 32-year-old southpaw was solid for the majority of the start; striking out eight and allowing only four hits. Zac Gallen outdueled him, however, and Snell falls to 3-3 with a 2.41 ERA. He’ll get the Orioles in Baltimore next weekend.

Dodgers activated LHP Blake Snell from the paternity list.

Dodgers placed LHP Blake Snell on the paternity list.

Snell left immediately after his start on Friday to join his wife who was in labor. He’ll be away from the team for the remainder of the weekend at least. Kirby Yates was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move on Saturday.

Blake Snell allowed two runs over seven innings and took a loss to the Padres on Friday.

Snell was good. Yu Darvish was better. These things happen. The left-hander struck out five with two walks, and allowed both of his runs in the fourth. It’s worth noting that Snell is now going to be away from the the team as his wife is expecting a child in the coming days, but it does appear likely that Snell will be back and try to lower his 1.97 ERA against Arizona next Friday.

Blake Snell scattered five hits over six innings in the Dodgers’ 6-0 shutout of the Padres on Saturday.

Snell got 15 whiffs and allowed just four hard-hit balls in his second straight scoreless start, both of which have come against top postseason contenders (he struck out 10 Blue Jays in five innings last time out). Snell is far from a lock to stay healthy the rest of the way, but it looks like he’ll be an elite fantasy starter if it happens. He’ll face the Padres again next week.

Blake Snell held the Blue Jays scoreless and struck out 10 over five innings Saturday to pick up a win.

Snell wasn’t able to get deep because he needed 90 pitches to get his 15 outs, and he issued three walks. The quality was certainly there even if the quantity wasn’t, as he allowed just three hits and generated a sensational 18 swings-and-misses over his 90 pitches. Snell has had no issues missing bats since returning from the injured list, and he should continue to do so against the Padres next weekend.

Blake Snell recorded eight strikeouts and allowed three runs over five innings on Saturday in a loss to the Rays.

Snell was greeted rudely in his return from the injured list, giving up a first-inning homer to former teammate Yandy Díaz that traveled just 326 feet down the right-field line at homer-friendly George M. Steinbrenner Field. He rebounded to strike out five of the next eight batters before Díaz tagged him again with a nearly identical two-run shot in the third. Outside of Díaz, the 32-year-old southpaw was extremely sharp, allowing just two additional baserunners over five innings while throwing 57 of 86 pitches for strikes. He’s lined up to face the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Dodgers activated LHP Blake Snell from the 60-day injured list.

Snell takes the ball on Saturday against the Rays for his first start since April 2. The 32-year-old fantasy ace returns for the stretch run following a four-month absence due to shoulder issues. He’s not expected to have any workload restrictions after throwing 76 pitches in his final rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City. It’s a tough spot right out of the gate at extremely hitter-friendly George M. Steinbrenner Field, but the Rays have been a middle-of-the-road offense over the last few weeks.

Blake Snell (shoulder) will be activated to start on Saturday against the Rays.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Snell will face his former club in his first big-league start since April 2. Roberts told reporters earlier this week that the club would shift to a six-man rotation moving forward, but he told reporters that Dustin May could potentially pitch in relief on Friday following Clayton Kershaw. There are a lot of moving pieces in Los Angeles, but it sounds like Snell is officially locked in for this weekend’s start.

Blake Snell (shoulder) is likely to start this weekend against the Rays.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Clayton Kershaw will start Friday’s series opener against the Rays, but didn’t offer any additional information regarding when Snell will be activated. He announced over the weekend that the veteran lefty would make his next start in the majors with the club shifting to a six-man rotation. There should be some clarity at some point in the coming days, but there likely won’t be anything definitive until after Thursday’s trade deadline.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Blake Snell (shoulder) will make his next start in the majors.

Snell’s impending return pushes Los Angeles to a six-man rotation for the next couple weeks with Shohei Ohtani starting the next two Wednesday’s against the Reds and Cardinals, respectively. The 32-year-old southpaw is on track to make his first start since April 2 on Friday against the Rays after tossing 4 2/3 shutout frames on Saturday in his final rehab outing for Triple-A Oklahoma City.