The buzz kicked off after a simple one-word post on social media sent fans into a frenzy. While that obscure tease may have sounded casual, it came shortly after a key update from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, one that hinted a comeback could be just around the corner. The timing? Too perfect to be incidental.
Blake Snell has already made two rehab starts, one for the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga squad and the other in the Arizona Complex League. Next up, he is scheduled to join Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, where the plan is to stretch him out to three innings. And just to add a little fuel to the fire, Snell himself posted a simple yet loaded one-word message on social media: “Soon.” It was not just a tease; it was a full-blown statement.
Roberts summed up the roadmap for Snell’s return the best: “If you think about three innings on Sunday, then you sort of get to four, and we’ll see where we’re at from there.” That quote was not just a throwaway comment; it painted the roadmap. If all goes well in OKC, Snell could be just two starts away from falling back into the Dodgers’ rotation. And make no mistake, LA’s coaching staff will be watching those outings closely to decide if the lefty is truly ready for his prime time.
The numbers do raise some concerns, though. Before landing on the injured list earlier this season, Snell pitched just nine innings and managed only four strikeouts. This is far from the punch-out machine fans remember. Such a dip in strikeout rate is an issue, especially for someone whose success hinges on swing-and-miss dominance.
However, if there is a pitcher who can flip the switch when it matters, it is Snell. Just last season, he was almost untouchable with the Padres. He posted a 14-9 record, 2.25 ERA, and a jaw-dropping 234 strikeouts across 180 innings. The star’s track record is not just solid—it’s elite. Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner and a former All-Star, has a resume that speaks louder than any tweet ever could.
As the postseason slowly crawls into view and the Dodgers’ rotation needs reinforcements, the team has fully set the stage. The updates are here. The tease has been dropped. And now, it is time to see if the return of the star is as real as the hype. While the potential comeback of a dominant shoulder like Snell’s offers hope, the Dodgers have another pressing issue, one that has been far more puzzling and persistent.
Mookie Betts’ prolonged struggles give Dave Roberts another headache
For years, Mookie Betts has been the Dodgers’ North Star—steady, reliable, and electric. However, 2025 has become a season of searching for answers. After the All-Star break, he has looked completely out of sync. A disappointing 0-for-4 showing with two strikeouts in the second-half opener dropped Betts’ average to .241, with an OPS of just .688—the Dodgers star’s worst marks in a full season. The frustration is visible, and the outcomes have not come easily. Roberts, reading the signs, decided to pull him from the lineup—not because of injury, but to let Betts mentally reset.
That day off was not scheduled, and it was not taken lightly. Roberts made it clear that Betts “wanted to be out there,” but he stepped in, hoping that a change in mindset might help realign his superstar shortstop. Behind the scenes, Betts has been pulling his swing and cycling through different “feels” to find his rhythm. Hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc pointed out inefficiencies in Betts’ hand load and swing path, flaws that have destroyed his timing. But there is no easy fix. As Roberts said, it will be a day-to-day read on Betts’ mental and mechanical state. And presently, even a player like Betts is looking for answers.
Jun 2, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
With Snell alluding to a comeback and Betts fighting through the toughest stretch of his career, the Dodgers are navigating a crucial turning point. As October inches closer, how this team handles both stories could shape the postseason ahead. Stay tuned, things are just heating up for the Dodgers.
`
The post Blake Snell Teases Dodgers Return With 1-Word Message After Dave Roberts Drops Injury Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.
