The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Blake Snell since April 6 because of left shoulder inflammation that he attempted to pitch through over two starts.
Snell began a throwing program less than two weeks later and got to the point of completing a bullpen session. But he was prevented from throwing a second bullpen because of lingering shoulder discomfort that prompted the Dodgers to shut Snell down.
He received an injection to help treat the pain and effectively had his progression reset. Snell has since resumed throwing and posted a short clip of his mound work on Saturday that according to David Vassegh of AM 570, was done with the catcher standing.
Looks like Blake Snell may have thrown a bullpen session earlier than anticipated. He had told @THEREAL_DV it was probably going to be next week in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/Y2pJzV4exv
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 6, 2025
This was just 10 throws off the mound with the catcher standing up. Bullpen sesh still in San Diego.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) June 7, 2025
Snell remains on track to throw his first bullpen session since being shut down for a second time. A day has not been given but the expectation is the left-hander will do so at some point during the Dodgers’ series at Petco Park next week.
There’s a bit of irony with that as Snell pitched for the San Diego Padres from 2021-2023.
Snell’s bullpen session will be a key step forward but the reality a return doesn’t figure to come until after the All-Star break. The Dodgers have maintained there is not a timeline for Snell, who is on the 60-day injured list.
The paper move in the middle of last month didn’t change much other than technically making June 2 the earliest Snell would be eligible to return. That date was never in the cards anyhow given the progression that’s still needed.
Blake Snell learning patience
Snell has expressed regret for attempting to pitch through left shoulder discomfort and explained it stemmed from wanting to deliver and contribute in his first season with the Dodgers. He’s also admitted to having his patience tested with the prolonged recovery process, particularly with the Dodgers playing middling baseball for the majority of that stretch.
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