Have you ever thought about how it feels to spend massively on a player only to find out they spend most of the time on the injured list? That’s exactly the case with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ $182M All-Star, who was signed for a five-year deal in November 2024. Now, in the midst of the team’s ongoing rotation problems, Dave Roberts has provided a significant update on the Cy Young award winner, who failed to have any significant impact on the team. Guessed the name of the star?
We are talking about the Dodgers’ Blake Snell, who made his way into the team during the game against the Detroit Tigers on March 27. He only lasted four innings in the following game against the Atlanta Braves, despite having a moderate start in which he pitched five innings, gave up two earned runs, and recorded two strikeouts. His sudden shoulder inflammation was the cause, which prompted his removal from the mound. And that further dampened the Dodgers’ hopes, as they were hoping to add Blake Snell to address their starting rotation issues.
In addition, the pitching staff has already lost Clayton Kershaw, who is still recovering from knee and toe surgery, and Tyler Glasnow, who has shoulder inflammation, so this injury only makes matters worse. Because of the issues with their starting rotation, Dave Roberts’ bullpen has thrown 11.2 innings more than any other team in Major League Baseball. Now, with Snell’s injury, manager Dave Roberts has given an update on him, which has been shared by MLB insider Bill Plunkett on X on Friday. The post read, “Blake Snell is now scheduled to play catch on Sunday. ‘I think being sick set him back a couple of days,’ per Dave Roberts”.
#Dodgers Blake Snell is now scheduled to play catch on Sunday. “I think being sick set him back a couple days,” per Dave Roberts
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 10, 2025
And it’s true—Blake Snell, 32, going through the rehabilitation program, was slated to continue his throwing program; however, he failed to continue it. It could be the persistent shoulder pain he had when he began playing catch in the first bullpen session at the end of April. A major setback for the Dodgers and also a major disappointment, isn’t it?
Jim Bowden of The Athletic didn’t stop from taking a dig at Blake Snell. He wrote, “The Dodgers committed $182 million over five years to get Blake Snell, who, after two starts, went on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.” Despite being one of the top free agents of the offseason, he hasn’t lived up to the hype and there’s no denying it.
However, the Dodgers haven’t lost faith in him yet as they wait for his comeback that can elevate their hopes of winning the World Series title yet another time.
Can the $182M All-Star’s new chapter with the Dodgers be successful?
Well, everyone expects Blake Snell to be back as soon as possible, given that his addition to the team ignited a renewed sense of hope and ambition for the Dodgers. Last year, Snell had a 3.12 ERA with a 12.55 K/9 rate and a 3.1 WAR. When healthy, the 32-year-old star can make a lot of pitches, particularly in the postseason. But the main problem is the frequent injury that plagues him often, delaying his return to the mound. So, what’s the solution?
Well, the Los Angeles Dodgers are taking great care of him, ensuring no hurry in bringing him back. Snell, who was one of the most coveted free agents alongside Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, was finally secured by the Dodgers. Even the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, feels that adding him was a good strategic investment, as it centers around bolstering the starting rotation, which the left-handed pitcher definitely can.
Moving forward, the Los Angeles Dodgers would like to get the best out of him once he makes his way back to the mound. With the buzz and excitement surrounding Blake Snell’s return reaching an all-time high, it’s just a matter of time until we can understand whether the investment actually paid off or not.
While every fan eagerly anticipates his return, as it can be a perfect way to celebrate the success in the Dodgers’ stadium, do you think investing in Blake Snell was a good decision made by the Dodgers?
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