Why Dave Roberts was encouraged by Blake Snell’s big return game for Dodgers

May 10, 2026 - 16:15

The Los Angeles Dodgers once again look like one of the strongest teams in Major League Baseball this season. L.A. didn’t get the win on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, but Blake Snell returned to the mound for the start.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was encouraged by what he saw from Snell. Snell pitched three innings while allowing four earned runs and six hits.

“It was his first outing back. I thought his stuff was good,” Roberts said, per SportsNet LA. “I think to be a little critical there was a couple of bad walks in there that kind of extended innings…..something to build off of.”

"It was his first outing back… something to build off of."
Dave Roberts addresses the media after the #Dodgers lose to the Braves, 7-2. pic.twitter.com/IqsPg3UhXU
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 10, 2026

The Dodgers lost 7-2 to the Braves on Saturday. Snell made his first start of the season for the Dodgers. He last appeared in a game during the 2025 postseason. Snell has battled shoulder fatigue.

Snell was back with the team ahead of schedule. He was chomping at the bit to return to the mound.

“I said yes before they even asked,” Snell said, per MLB.com. “I wanted this start. Facing a team like Atlanta, really good, it’s going to let you know where you’re at pretty quickly.”

The return of Snell gives even more depth to the Dodgers rotation. He is one of the most experienced pitchers on the team. During the 2025 campaign, Snell posted a 2.35 ERA during the regular season.

“I feel really good. I feel like I’m going to recover good. So I’m excited about that,” Snell said. “But yeah, I got a lot of work to do to get ready for the next start. Put the bullpen in a position not to cover six innings.”

The Dodgers are 24-15 on the season after losing on Saturday. Los Angeles plays the Braves again on Sunday. L.A. currently leads the National League West.

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