Blake Snell to undergo elbow surgery but Dodgers expect season return
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell will undergo surgery on his left elbow on Tuesday but is expected to return to action later this season.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner requires the procedure to remove loose bodies from the joint.
His latest setback was discovered on Thursday, forcing the left-hander to be scratched from a scheduled start against the Los Angeles Angels.
This comes after a difficult season debut last weekend, where he conceded four earned runs in three innings having previously battled left shoulder fatigue.
Quicker recovery anticipated
Despite the surgical intervention, the reigning World Series champions remain optimistic about his prognosis.
“It’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a lot quicker recovery, so we’re encouraged about that.”
Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the 33-year-old might undergo a minimally invasive procedure similar to the one recently performed on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Skubal was able to resume light throwing activities just over a week after his operation earlier in the year.
“I think just with the MRI, the scans and everything, we feel good about getting back to play sooner than later.”
Mounting pitching concerns
The veteran pitcher missed the majority of the 2025 regular season due to previous shoulder issues, limiting him to just 11 starts.
However, he returned to form during the playoffs, securing a 3-2 postseason record as he helped guide the franchise to a second consecutive championship.
This latest medical setback adds to a growing list of pitching absences for the Dodgers.
Closer Edwin Diaz underwent a similar elbow operation in April, while starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow is currently sidelined with back spasms.