Dodgers’ Blake Snell Nears Return: One Final Triple-A Hurdle Remains
Dodgers Injury Updates: Snell Nears Return, Stewart Sidelined, Smith Progressing
The Big Picture: What’s Happening with the Dodgers?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with several key injuries right now. Think of it like a team where some players are in the "repair shop" getting fixed up before they can play again. Here’s the simple breakdown of who’s where in their recovery.
Blake Snell: Almost Back in the Rotation
The Short Version
Blake Snell (a starting pitcher) had elbow surgery in May to remove loose pieces floating around in his joint. He’s been practicing in the minor leagues to get ready, and he’s scheduled for ONE MORE practice start before possibly rejoining the big league team.
The Step-by-Step Plan
- Wednesday: Threw 60 pitches over 4 scoreless innings for Class-A Ontario (lower minor league)
- Next Tuesday: Will start for Triple-A Oklahoma City (highest minor league level) at Salt Lake City
- Goal: Pitch 5 innings and throw 75 pitches
- Then: The Dodgers decide if he’s ready for the majors
Why This Matters
IMPORTANT POINT: Snell rushed back earlier this season after a shoulder rehab, made just ONE start, then got hurt again. This time, he’s saying: "I’m going to shut up and do it right." Smart move!
The Cool Discovery
The elbow surgery fixed MORE than just his elbow:
- Shoulder pain? GONE (had it for 2 seasons!)
- Numb fingers? FIXED (couldn’t feel ring & pinky fingers for 1.5 years)
- Fastball velocity: 95-97 mph (really good!)
- Mechanics: "Way better" per Snell
- Curveball: Still needs work
Snell’s own words: "I’m 10 times better. I just have to get the curveball going."
Brock Stewart: Back on the Injured List
What Happened
Reliever Brock Stewart (pitcher who comes in late in games) went on the Injured List (IL) Friday with a sore shoulder.
The Good News
- Manager Dave Roberts says this is a "new finding" — not the same problem as last fall
- Last fall he had surgery to: shave a bone spur, remove the bursa (fluid sac), and remove part of his collarbone
- Roberts says this "should be short term"
- Team is being proactive — caught it early to prevent bigger issues
The Replacement
- Cole Irvin called up from Triple-A for Friday’s "bullpen game" (when multiple relievers share the starting role)
- Irvin: 9-6 record, 3.58 ERA in 20 starts for Oklahoma City
- First MLB action since September 2024 (was with Minnesota Twins)
Stewart’s Tough Season
This is his 3rd IL stint this year:
- Started season on IL (recovering from last fall’s shoulder surgery)
- Came back, went on IL again after 2 games (bone spurs in left foot)
- Now: shoulder soreness
- When healthy: 2.45 ERA in 14 appearances (really good!)
Will Smith: Taking Swings Again!
The Injury
Catcher Will Smith has been out since June 5 with an inflamed disc in his neck (currently on 60-day IL).
The Progress Update
CLEARED TO START HITTING PROGRESSION — this is huge!
What "Hitting Progression" Means (Simple Steps)
- Hitting off a tee (ball sits still on a stand)
- Flips from a coach (coach tosses ball softly from short distance)
- Soft toss (underhand tosses from the side)
- Full-speed batting practice (real pitching speed)
- Then: Rehab assignment in minor leagues
- Finally: Back with Dodgers
The Uncertainty
Roberts: "This is uncharted territory… back at Square One. I just don’t know how long that ramp up will take."
But: "Very confident it’s going to happen given that he’s pain-free."
Upcoming Game
| Matchup | Pitchers | When | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sox @ Dodgers | Boston: Peyton Tolle (LHP, 6-6, 3.32 ERA) LA: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP, 11-6, 2.72 ERA) |
Saturday, 6:10 PM | SportsNet LA, 570 AM |
Yamamoto has been excellent this season — 11 wins, only 6 losses, 2.72 ERA (top-tier numbers!).
Summary: Where Everyone Stands
| Player | Status | Timeline | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Snell | 1 more rehab start (Tue) | Could join Dodgers next week | Surgery fixed elbow + shoulder + nerve issues |
| Brock Stewart | IL (shoulder) | "Short term" per Roberts | 3rd IL stint this year; being cautious |
| Will Smith | 60-day IL (neck) | Unknown — just started hitting | Pain-free, but "uncharted territory" |
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto | HEALTHY | Starts Saturday | 11-6, 2.72 ERA — ace performance |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What are "loose bodies" in the elbow?
Think of them like small pebbles or bone chips floating around in your joint. They get stuck, cause pain, block movement, and can pinch nerves (which explains Snell’s numb fingers!). Surgery removes them — like cleaning debris from a hinge.
2. What’s the difference between Class-A, Triple-A, and MLB?
- MLB (Major League Baseball): The big show — Dodgers, Yankees, etc.
- Triple-A (AAA): One step below MLB — best minor leaguers, very close to majors
- Class-A (A-ball): Lower minor league — younger/developing players
- Rehab assignments: MLB players go down to minor leagues to practice while injured
3. What’s a "bullpen game"?
Instead of one starter pitching 5-7 innings, the team uses multiple relievers (bullpen pitchers) for 1-2 innings each. Happens when they don’t have a starter available — like Friday with Stewart hurt.
4. Why is Will Smith’s neck injury taking so long?
Neck/disc injuries are tricky — especially for a catcher who:
- Wears heavy gear
- Squats constantly
- Gets hit by foul balls
- Needs full neck motion to see the field
The Dodgers are being extra careful because rushing back could cause permanent damage.
5. What does "ERA" mean?
Earned Run Average — the average number of runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings. Lower is better.
- Under 3.00 = Excellent
- 3.00-4.00 = Good
- Over 4.50 = Struggling
- Yamamoto’s 2.72 is elite! Stewart’s 2.45 was great when healthy!
Bottom Line
The Dodgers are managing injuries smartly: Snell taking his time, Stewart caught early, Smith progressing step-by-step. With Yamamoto dealing Saturday, the rotation stays strong while they wait for reinforcements. Patience now = healthier players for the playoff push later!
