Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell was scratched from his scheduled start Friday, May 15 against the Los Angeles Angels. Right-hander Will Klein was inserted to open a bullpen game in his place, the Dodgers announced.
The absence is not believed to be related to the left shoulder inflammation that kept Snell off the mound for the first six weeks of the season, per reporters on the scene. The team, however, did not immediately announce a reason for the scratch.
Snell is just six days removed from his 2026 debut, a rocky three-inning outing against the Atlanta Braves in which he allowed four earned runs and six hits in a 7-2 loss.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner missed the start of the season because of what the team said was shoulder fatigue that carried over from a heavy postseason workload. He went 3-2 with a 3.18 ERA in five starts for the Dodgers in the 2025 MLB playoffs.
April 21, 2026: Shohei Ohtani bats against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp at Oracle Park.
Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one of the greatest performances in MLB playoff history. The Dodgers won the game, 5-1, to advance to the World Series.
Oct. 4, 2025: Shohei Ohtani made his first postseason pitching appearance in NLDS Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Los Angeles Dodgers prevailed, 5-3, and Ohtani got the win.
Sept. 9, 2025: Shohei Ohtani steals second base under the tag of Colorado Rockies second baseman Tyler Freeman during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 27, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is interviewed by Spectrum SportsNet reporter David Vassegh (right) alongside translator Will Ireton after a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 20, 2025: Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
July 15, 2025: Shohei Ohtani does an interview on the red carpet before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.
June 16, 2025: Shohei Ohtani makes his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
April 2, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is greeted at home after hitting a walk-off home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game, 6-5, on what was Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night.
March 19, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is introduced and enters the field before the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. The Dodgers won the game, 6-3.
March 18, 2025: The scoreboard at the Tokyo Dome shows a photo of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani before the season opener against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series. The Dodgers won the game, 4-1.
Nov. 1, 2024: Shohei Ohtani holds his dog, Decoy, as he walks with off the field his wife Mamiko Tanaka following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series championship celebration at Dodger Stadium.
Oct. 31, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Oct. 30, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (17) and the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Sept. 19, 2024: Shohei Ohtani reacts to a standing ovation from the fans after hitting his 50th home run of the season. He hit it against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park.
Aug. 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani with his dog Decoy after he delivered he first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 24: Shohei Ohtani is doused after he joined the 40-40 club with a walk-off grand slam.
July 25, 2024: Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium.
July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani walks the red carpet with wife Mamiko Tanaka before the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
April 29, 2024: Shohei Ohtani breaks for third base against the Diamondbacks.
April 26, 2024: Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Blue Jays.
April 24, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures to his dugout at second base after hitting an RBI double against the Nationals.
April 23, 2024: Shohei Ohtani in the outfield during a throwing session prior to the Dodgers’ game.
April 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo homer against the Mets during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
April 12, 2024: Shohei Ohtani is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Padres.
April 9, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a fly ball against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
April 7, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures after hitting a one-run double against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
April 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
April 2, 2024: Shohei Ohtani waits on deck in the first inning against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.
March 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani makes his Opening Day debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.
March 20, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gets his first hit as a Dodger in the third inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game against the Padres.
March 20, 2024: Mamiko Tanaka, wife of Shohei Ohtani, watches Ohtani’s debut as a Dodger in the season opener in Seoul, South Korea.
March 13, 2024: Shohei Ohtani signs autographs before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch.
March 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani talks with former Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout before a spring game.
March 3, 2024: Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch.
Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (left) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto poses during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani poses for a portrait during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
Feb. 14, 2024: Shohei Ohtani takes batting practice during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch.
Dec. 21, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (right) pose with Los Angeles Rams mascot Rampage at SoFi Stadium.
Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pose for pictures during the press conference.
Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani is introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time at a press conference at Dodger Stadium.1 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 21, 2026: Shohei Ohtani bats against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp at Oracle Park.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 21, 2026: Shohei Ohtani bats against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp at Oracle Park.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
3 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one of the greatest performances in MLB playoff history. The Dodgers won the game, 5-1, to advance to the World Series.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Oct. 4, 2025: Shohei Ohtani made his first postseason pitching appearance in NLDS Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Los Angeles Dodgers prevailed, 5-3, and Ohtani got the win.
5 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Sept. 9, 2025: Shohei Ohtani steals second base under the tag of Colorado Rockies second baseman Tyler Freeman during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
6 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Aug. 27, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is interviewed by Spectrum SportsNet reporter David Vassegh (right) alongside translator Will Ireton after a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.
7 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Aug. 20, 2025: Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
8 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
July 15, 2025: Shohei Ohtani does an interview on the red carpet before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.
9 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
June 16, 2025: Shohei Ohtani makes his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
10 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 2, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is greeted at home after hitting a walk-off home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game, 6-5, on what was Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night.
11 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 19, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is introduced and enters the field before the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. The Dodgers won the game, 6-3.
12 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 18, 2025: The scoreboard at the Tokyo Dome shows a photo of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani before the season opener against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series. The Dodgers won the game, 4-1.
13 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Nov. 1, 2024: Shohei Ohtani holds his dog, Decoy, as he walks with off the field his wife Mamiko Tanaka following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series championship celebration at Dodger Stadium.
14 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Oct. 31, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
15 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Oct. 30, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (17) and the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
16 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Sept. 19, 2024: Shohei Ohtani reacts to a standing ovation from the fans after hitting his 50th home run of the season. He hit it against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park.
17 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Aug. 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani with his dog Decoy after he delivered he first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.
18 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Aug. 24: Shohei Ohtani is doused after he joined the 40-40 club with a walk-off grand slam.
19 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
July 25, 2024: Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium.
20 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani walks the red carpet with wife Mamiko Tanaka before the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
22 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 29, 2024: Shohei Ohtani breaks for third base against the Diamondbacks.
23 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 26, 2024: Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Blue Jays.
24 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 24, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures to his dugout at second base after hitting an RBI double against the Nationals.
25 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 23, 2024: Shohei Ohtani in the outfield during a throwing session prior to the Dodgers’ game.
26 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo homer against the Mets during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
27 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 12, 2024: Shohei Ohtani is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Padres.
28 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 9, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a fly ball against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
29 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 7, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures after hitting a one-run double against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
30 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
31 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
April 2, 2024: Shohei Ohtani waits on deck in the first inning against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.
32 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani makes his Opening Day debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 20, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gets his first hit as a Dodger in the third inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game against the Padres.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 20, 2024: Mamiko Tanaka, wife of Shohei Ohtani, watches Ohtani’s debut as a Dodger in the season opener in Seoul, South Korea.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 13, 2024: Shohei Ohtani signs autographs before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani talks with former Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout before a spring game.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
March 3, 2024: Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (left) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto poses during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani poses for a portrait during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
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Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Feb. 14, 2024: Shohei Ohtani takes batting practice during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch.
41 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Dec. 21, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (right) pose with Los Angeles Rams mascot Rampage at SoFi Stadium.
42 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pose for pictures during the press conference.
43 / 43
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers' $700 million man in photos
Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani is introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time at a press conference at Dodger Stadium.
Snell has a long injury history. He first landed on the injured list in 2018 with shoulder fatigue and then broke his toe in a 2019 bathroom incident before undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery that same year to remove loose bodies in his elbow. His left adductor became a chronic problem, accounting for five IL stints over four seasons. With the San Francisco Giants in 2024, he missed the first three months with a groin and adductor strain before dominating down the stretch.
He has thrown over 130 innings in a season just twice in his career.
He signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers last winter, then missed four months in 2025 with shoulder inflammation just two starts into the season before returning to go 4-4 with a 2.41 ERA in nine regular season starts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blake Snell scratched from Los Angeles Dodgers start vs Angels today
