Blake Snell’s pending return demonstrates the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching depth and looming rotation competition.
The Los Angeles Dodgers took a significant step toward reinforcing their rotation, noting that Blake Snell will make his first rehab start of the season with Low-A Ontario during the club’s road trip in San Francisco on Wednesday.
Conveniently, the affiliate is set to play in nearby San Jose, Calif., allowing for close monitoring as Snell begins his buildup process.
The left-hander is expected to make roughly four minor-league starts before rejoining the major-league rotation. Early expectations suggest he will be stretched to around 75 pitches, positioning him to reach approximately five innings per outing as he regains form. He will likely be on track to rejoin the club near the end of May.
Rotation Competition Looms
Snell’s return introduces added intrigue to the back end of the Dodgers’ rotation. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani appear firmly entrenched, the remaining spots are far from settled. Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, and Justin Wrobleski are all competing to solidify their roles as the season progresses.
Wrobleski may currently hold an edge. After opening the year in a long relief role, he has transitioned effectively into the rotation, delivering seven and eight innings in his last two starts.
Sheehan, though showing signs of improvement following early-season velocity concerns, has struggled to pitch deep into games, completing six innings just once. Meanwhile, Sasaki has flashed potential but has only worked beyond the fourth inning in two of his first four starts.
Depth Provides Flexibility
Even without Snell, the Dodgers’ rotation has been a strength, underscoring the organization’s pitching depth. Beyond the current major league options, the club also has reinforcements rehabbing in the minors, including River Ryan and Gavin Stone.
This surplus allows the Dodgers to be patient with Snell’s recovery. There is little urgency to accelerate his return, as the team can rely on its existing arms to maintain stability. The depth also creates internal competition, ensuring that performance will dictate roles rather than necessity.
Sasaki’s Development Window
One of the key beneficiaries of this depth has been Sasaki. The right-handed pitcher has been afforded valuable time to adjust to a starting role, even while navigating inconsistency. After working out of the bullpen during last postseason, Sasaki is now being developed as a full-time starter once again.
Though not yet dominant, his opportunities to pitch through challenges reflect the Dodgers’ long-term vision. The organization appears committed to his growth in the rotation, believing that sustained development as a starter will ultimately yield greater value than a return to a relief role.
While that has been the case, it has been rough to say the least. Sasaki has made four starts for the Dodgers. He currently holds an 0-2 record with a 6.11 ERA over 17 2/3 innings pitched.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!