Dodgers’ Blake Snell surprisingly scratched hours before Angels clash

Blake Snell made his 2026 debut in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on May 9 after being on the 15-day IL with shoulder fatigue. He was scheduled to make his second start of the season on Friday against the Angels, however, the latest reports reveal he has been scratched from the contest and will no longer play.

Reports indicate that manager Dave Roberts is going to strictly use pitchers out of the bullpen against the Angels, with Snell being removed from the contest, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Will Klein is expected to start the game instead.

“The Dodgers are scratching Blake Snell ahead of his start against the Angels tonight,” reported Woo. “They’ll go with a bullpen game instead, likely with Will Klein to start.”

In a follow-up report, Woo claims that the reason for Snell’s late scratch is currently unknown. However, his shoulder injury that sidelined the 11-year veteran to begin the 2026 season is not believed to be the reason.

“Still awaiting on official word as to why Blake Snell was scratched, but it is not believed to be related to the shoulder inflammation that cost him the first six weeks of the year,” said Woo.

Snell’s first start of the season was lackadaisical, to say the least. He looked like somebody who was shaking off the rust after not playing since October 2025. The one-time All-Star pitched just 3.0 innings against the Braves in his season debut, recording five strikeouts while allowing six hits, two walks, and four earned runs.

The post Dodgers’ Blake Snell surprisingly scratched hours before Angels clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.