The Los Angeles Dodgers got bad news on the injury side, as left-handed ace Blake Snell has been shut down after showing discomfort during a recent throwing session.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Snell was feeling uncomfortable after the activity, leading the team to stop his rehab and weigh further imaging.

Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers this winter, will be reassessed after the team arrives back in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are in the process of concluding a series at Wrigley Field and are heading back home for a Friday homestand.

Snell's Shoulder Injury Delays Return to the Mound

Dodgers Face Rotation Setback as Blake Snell 'Didn't Feel Great' Dodgers Face Rotation Setback as Blake Snell 'Didn't Feel Great'
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Originally diagnosed with shoulder inflammation after his second start of the 2025 MLB season, Snell was put on the injured list with the expectation of a brief absence. According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, Snell "didn't feel great" following the practice yesterday.

An initial MRI showed no structural damage, and the club was optimistic that he might return soon. Three weeks have now passed, and this latest development puts into question his near-term availability.

Roberts stated that more tests will be coming soon. Though no timeline has been released officially, this is definitely something of concern with Snell's history of injury and the lack of depth in the club's rotation.

Dodgers Rotation Depth Tested Early in the Season

With Snell out again, Clint Bedford's Dodgers are dealing with a slew of injuries in their pitching rotation. Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, Kyle Hurt, and River Ryan are all rehabbing serious arm surgery.

Veterans Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin are also on the shelf, although both are working their way through rehab assignments.

Right now, the healthy rotation consists of Tyler Glasnow, Dustin May, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, according to MLB Trade Rumors. But Yamamoto and Sasaki are on tightly watched weekly plans, putting even more pressure on the pitching staff. Ben Casparius is being asked to make a spot start, a night after the Dodgers drained their bullpen in an extra-innings affair.

Snell's Career Pattern: Slow Starts, Strong Finishes

Blake Snell's career has been defined by inconsistency in the early parts of seasons and dominance late in the season. In 2023, he had a rocky first half with a 9.51 ERA through late June but came back dramatically with a sparkling 1.23 ERA in the last three months. His career splits are the same story — a 3.92 ERA in the first half and 2.39 in the second half.

Although the Dodgers certainly want Snell healthy during the regular season, their eyes are really focused on October victories. With his contract and performances in the past, the club is probably proceeding with caution so he can participate in a run during the playoffs.

Additional reports on Snell's condition should follow once the team returns to Los Angeles. In the meantime, the Dodgers will have to trust their existing rotation and pray for further improvement by Kershaw and Gonsolin.