The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing another significant setback in their quest for the National League West title as Dodgers LHP Blake Snell to undergo surgery this coming Tuesday. The two-time Cy Young winner, who was expected to be a cornerstone of the rotation in 2026, will miss significant time to address an issue that has plagued his early-season availability.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news ahead of Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, noting that the procedure is intended to remove “loose bodies” from the pitcher’s arm. While the news is a blow to the Dodgers’ depth, Roberts expressed optimism regarding the recovery window, stating that the team expects Snell to return before the conclusion of the current season.
The announcement follows a frustrating sequence of events for Snell. After missing a substantial portion of the early season due to shoulder inflammation, Snell was activated on May 8 and made his season debut against the Atlanta Braves. In that outing, he threw 77 pitches over three innings, allowing five runs. His return was described as accelerated, as the club decided to bypass a final minor league rehab start to fill gaps in a rotation already thinned by injuries.
The fragility of that return became evident on Friday, when Snell was a late scratch from the starting lineup for the first game of the Freeway Series. The Dodgers were forced to pivot to a bullpen game, with Will Klein stepping in as the starter.
A Pattern of “Loose Bodies” and Elbow Attrition
The specific nature of Snell’s surgery—the removal of loose bodies—is a procedure that has become a recurring theme for several elite arms this spring. Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that can float within the joint, causing irritation, locking, or sudden pain. While often less severe than a full ligament tear, they can be disruptive enough to sideline a pitcher for weeks or months.
Snell is not alone in this struggle. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal underwent a similar “minimally invasive” procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body in his elbow. According to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, Skubal has already progressed to a throwing program, signaling a potentially swift return for the American League powerhouse. Similarly, Dodgers reliever Edwin Díaz underwent surgery in April to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, a move that is expected to sideline him for approximately three months.
This trend of joint debris and inflammation highlights the immense physical toll placed on modern power pitchers. For Snell, the surgery represents a necessary reset after a season that has been defined more by the training room than the mound.
| Pitcher | Procedure Type | Status/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Blake Snell | Loose Body Removal | Surgery Tuesday. expected back this season |
| Tarik Skubal | Loose Body Removal | Currently in throwing program |
| Edwin Díaz | Loose Body Removal | Approximately 3-month absence |
Managing a Fragile Rotation
The loss of Snell compounds an already volatile situation for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow has recently dealt with low back pain, and the team has been forced to scour the waiver wire and trade market to maintain a viable rotation. The club recently claimed left-hander Charlie Barnes from the Chicago Cubs to provide emergency depth.
Despite the pitching turmoil, the Dodgers have found some stability elsewhere. Shortstop Mookie Betts returned to the active roster on May 11 following a month-long absence due to a right oblique strain. The front office has looked to the future, acquiring outfielder Alek Thomas from the Arizona Diamondbacks to bolster defensive depth. In a move toward organizational transition, veteran Jason Heyward is also set to join the Dodgers’ front office as a special assistant, utilizing his 15-year career to help observe talent across the club’s affiliates.
However, the rotation remains the primary concern. When a team relies on a “big game” arm like Snell, any absence is felt acutely in the standings. The Dodgers currently sit just a half-game behind San Diego in the NL West, and the ability to maintain a healthy staff through the summer will likely determine if they can reclaim the top spot.
A League-Wide Spring of Attrition
The struggles of the Dodgers are mirrored across Major League Baseball, as several veteran starters have hit the injured list with similar elbow and shoulder issues. The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a potential season-ending scenario for José Berríos, who is scheduled for elbow surgery to repair a stress fracture. Berríos has struggled through rehab starts at Triple-A Buffalo, posting a 10.67 ERA over 14 1/3 innings before the decision for surgery was made.
In New York, the Yankees are managing a bone bruise in the left elbow of Max Fried. While less severe than a fracture, the injury has landed Fried on the 15-day injured list. The Yankees are now relying heavily on the return of Gerrit Cole, who is nearing the end of his rehab assignment following elbow ligament replacement surgery performed in March 2025.
For fans and analysts, the current wave of injuries underscores the precarious nature of the 2026 season. The “buzz” surrounding the league is currently dominated not by home run chases or win streaks, but by the recovery timelines of the game’s most dominant arms.
Disclaimer: The medical information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The next critical checkpoint for the Dodgers will be the post-operative update on Blake Snell following his Tuesday procedure. The team is expected to provide a more concrete timeline for his rehabilitation and a projected return date once the surgery is complete.
Do you think the Dodgers can hold onto their division lead without Snell and Glasnow at full strength? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or share this story on social media.
