CHICAGO — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, a left-hander, is set to take a brief pause from throwing due to experiencing discomfort while playing catch on Tuesday. Snell is currently on a 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. The seasoned athlete, known for winning the Cy Young Award twice, inked a substantial $182 million contract over five years last November.
Manager Dave Roberts shared insights before the team’s 7-6 defeat against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night, stating, “Blake, as he was playing catch, just didn’t feel great. So right now we’re going to slow play the throwing and probably get it looked at again when we get back home.” Snell’s impressive start to the season showcased a 1-0 record with a 2.00 ERA over two starts. Although there was uncertainty about when Snell reported his discomfort, Roberts previously mentioned that Tuesday’s catch session “went well.”
Roberts remains optimistic and unconcerned over the situation, stressing the team’s priority on Snell’s long-term well-being throughout the season. Roberts expressed, “Part of the messaging from us to Blake is it’s about later on in the season and if there’s any type of discomfort, let’s not try to fight through it. And so, given where we’re at right now on the calendar, not concerned at all, and even talking to Blake yesterday, wasn’t concerned.”
Despite the Dodgers starting the season with strategic pitching depth after signing Roki Sasaki in January, this depth is currently being tested. Tyler Glasnow experienced lower leg cramps during Sunday’s victory over the Rangers, but the right-hander, 31, is on track to pitch on Sunday at home against Pittsburgh.
The reigning World Series champions are also anticipating additional reinforcements. Clayton Kershaw showed promising results, pitching three-plus innings and allowing one-run during a rehab stint with Double-A Tulsa on Tuesday. On Wednesday night, Tony Gonsolin delivered five-plus innings and gave up two runs in a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Kershaw, at 37, is rebounding from offseason toe and knee surgeries. During his second rehab appearance, he struck out four and issued one walk. Roberts noted, “It was good. He came out of it well. Velocity was good. Got into the fourth inning. He’ll make a start next week, so really positive stuff.” While Kershaw’s toe issue is improving, Roberts indicated that it might persist as a manageable discomfort rather than a completely pain-free experience.
In other team updates, catcher Will Smith was absent from the concluding game of the series against the Cubs due to left wrist soreness. This discomfort arose after a play at the plate during Tuesday evening’s matchup. The team is considering conducting imaging for Smith’s wrist upon returning to Los Angeles. The Dodgers have a day off on Thursday before they face Pittsburgh in a three-game series starting Friday night.