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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell faced hitters for the first time in 2026, making a key step in his preparation for a return.
Snell, who is working his way back from shoulder inflammation, has made it his mission to make steady progress rather than rush himself back.
The Dodgers have a strong roster and plenty of depth to allow Snell time, and the two-time Cy Young award winner is taking advantage of the luxury.
As a pitch with a high degree of experience, Snell is well aware of his body’s limits and how he feels, knowing what he can push and when to take a step back.
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Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) receives his ring during the World Series ring ceremony before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Snell has a reputation for being prone to injury throughout his career, which has yielded a good deal of insight into his body.
During Spring Training, Snell took things slow, citing the fact that he rushed himself during his first year with the Dodgers to make his debut, and he ended up being shelved for months with a similar shoulder issue.
Blake Snell’s live session against hitters
He has been gradually throwing more and more often, along with including bullpen sessions, and on Saturday, before the Dodgers’ game against the Rangers, he faced hitters in a live session.
“It’s very big. Especially big-league hitters. … To be able to face two good hitters and feel good – I’ve got a lot of work to do still, but definitely a big step,” Snell said after throwing against Tommy Edman and Alex Call.
Manager Dave Roberts said that “he’s in a good spot,” with regards to Snell.
However, he did temper expectations for Snell, noting that it was a lighter session to see how the shoulder responds to some stress before giving him more work.
Ideally, according to Roberts, the next step is two innings of simulated innings against live hitters.
Blake Snell’s injury history
In the past, Snell has dealt with adductor and groin strains, as well as elbow joint surgery and a more recent run of shoulder issues.
While shoulder problems are the most severe injuries for a pitcher, Snell showed that he just needed time before being the top of the line pitcher for the Dodgers in the postseason.
The Dodgers are seemingly content with keeping that trend going, as long as he looks as sharp as he did during the postseason.
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