Dodgers' Blake Snell nears return after simulated inning

Veteran pitcher takes important step forward in recovery process at Dodger Stadium

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:34am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones conveying the deliberate progress of Snell's recovery.Snell's simulated inning at Dodger Stadium represents a crucial step in the veteran pitcher's recovery process as he aims to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation.Today in Tampa

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell took a significant step in his recovery by throwing a simulated inning at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, facing hitter Tommy Edman. While the session wasn't about results or velocity, it was an important milestone for Snell as he works his way back from injury and aims to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation in early May.

Why it matters

Snell's return is crucial for the Dodgers, who have had to navigate early-season roster challenges. Adding a pitcher with Snell's swing-and-miss stuff could meaningfully improve the team's pitching staff as they pursue October expectations.

The details

Snell threw 15 pitches in the simulated inning, facing Edman twice - once from each side of the plate. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the session was about Snell regaining his feel and rhythm on the mound, not about command or velocity. The Dodgers are taking a deliberate approach, planning to build Snell up to two, then three, and eventually four innings before sending him on a rehab assignment.

  • Snell threw the simulated inning at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Dodgers are targeting an early May return for Snell.

The players

Blake Snell

A veteran pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is working his way back from injury.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tommy Edman

A switch-hitting player for the Dodgers who faced Snell in the simulated inning.

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What they’re saying

“For me personally, It's just an exercise”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

“He's in a good spot”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

“I talked to him yesterday a little bit in the dugout. He's getting antsy but I think he's just excited because he feels strong and feels healthy.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers plan to build Snell up to two innings in his next session, then three innings, and eventually four innings before sending him on a rehab assignment.

The takeaway

Snell's return is a crucial development for the Dodgers as they navigate early-season roster challenges. While the team is taking a deliberate approach, the simulated inning represents meaningful progress, and Snell's eventual return could significantly bolster the team's pitching staff as they pursue October expectations.