Dodgers’ Blake Snell grabs attention with performance in last rehab start

A return to the Los Angeles Dodgers appears imminent after Blake Snell’s latest impressive rehab outing. Pitching for the Single-A Ontario Tower Buzzers Wednesday, the left-hander worked four scoreless innings against Fresno, allowing only one hit while striking out nine batters.

Snell threw 60 pitches, with 45 landing for strikes. After surrendering a one-out single in the opening inning, he retired the next 11 hitters in succession, including striking out all three batters he faced in the second inning. His fastball consistently sat between 95 and 96 mph, and his command was effective throughout the outing.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the objective for the start was four innings and 60 pitches, a target Snell reached exactly. Ontario manager John Shoemaker also stressed that the planned workload was 60 to 65 pitches, with the number of innings depending on Snell’s efficiency.

Snell has appeared in only one major league game this season. He opened the year on the injured list because of shoulder fatigue, returned for a start against the Atlanta Braves in May, then landed back on the injured list after loose bodies were discovered in his left elbow. He later underwent a NanoNeedle procedure before beginning another gradual rehabilitation program.

Los Angeles had previously hoped to extend Snell to five innings or 75 pitches during his rehab assignment, but his efficient performance may eliminate the need for another appearance.

The Dodgers need a starter as they are currently without Shohei Ohtani as a pitching option because of right biceps and left knee injuries, while Tyler Glasnow remains unavailable with lower back spasms. The organization is now expected to decide whether Snell is ready to return immediately or make one more rehab start.

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