Dodgers Blake Snell set for elbow surgery, return expected this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another significant setback to their pitching staff after left-hander Blake Snell was scheduled to undergo surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, creating uncertainty around one of the rotation’s top arms.
Despite the setback, the organization remains optimistic that the two-time Cy Young Award winner will return before the end of the season.
Snell’s procedure is set for Tuesday after another frustrating injury twist in a season that has barely begun. The veteran left-hander had only recently made his 2026 debut after opening the year on the injured list with shoulder fatigue and inflammation. He was expected to make his second start Friday against the Los Angeles Angels before being scratched after experiencing discomfort in his throwing elbow.
His lone appearance this season lasted only three innings and raised immediate concern. Snell surrendered four earned runs while striking out five and took the loss, leaving him with an 0-1 record and a 12.00 ERA in his abbreviated start.
New questions for Dodgers as championship rotation takes another hit
The injury is especially disappointing considering how effective Snell was when healthy last season. Though injuries limited him to only 11 starts in 2025, he still posted a 5-4 record with a stellar 2.35 ERA and 72 strikeouts across 61.1 innings. He also became a key contributor during the Dodgers’ championship run, delivering dominant postseason performances that helped Los Angeles capture the World Series title.
Now the Dodgers once again face questions about their pitching depth. With Snell sidelined and other rotation injuries piling up, manager Dave Roberts may have to rely on bullpen games and internal options to stabilize the staff.
For a team built around championship expectations, keeping Snell healthy for the stretch run suddenly feels as important as any trade deadline move.
