The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the season hoping they would reach the Aug. 3 trade deadline without any glaring weaknesses.

According to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, that objective appears to have become a reality.

Despite several significant injuries throughout the season, the Dodgers remain confident in the roster they have assembled as they prepare for the final two months of the regular season.

That confidence has come despite Shohei Ohtani temporarily remaining out of the starting rotation, Will Smith continuing to recover from a lingering neck injury, and both Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow missing extended periods.

One of the biggest developments for Los Angeles is the continued progress of Snell’s rehabilitation.

According to Katie Woo from The Athletic, the left-hander is scheduled to make his third rehabilitation start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

The outing is expected to cover approximately four innings and around 60 pitches as he continues building toward a return to the major league rotation.

“Snell will throw his third rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. He’s scheduled for four innings and roughly 60 pitches,” Woo wrote.

The Dodgers had previously indicated they preferred not to activate Snell until he surpassed five innings or approximately 75 pitches during his rehabilitation process.

However, the team’s schedule may force that timeline to change.

Following Monday's off day, Los Angeles will not have another day off until Aug. 6.

That lengthy stretch without a break creates a need for a sixth starter if the organization wants to continue avoiding having Roki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitch on regular rest. This is the approach that the Dodgers have maintained throughout the season.

Because of that demanding schedule, activating Snell before he reaches the originally planned workload has become a realistic possibility.

The Dodgers are expected to consider bringing him back shortly after the upcoming homestand concludes on Sunday, even if he remains on a limited pitch count.

His return would provide another much-needed boost to a rotation that has spent most of the season dealing with injuries.

Los Angeles placed Snell on the Injured List on May 15 because of loose bodies in his left elbow, another setback for a pitching staff that has repeatedly been forced to adjust throughout the year.

Even with those challenges, the Dodgers have continued to position themselves among MLB’s top contenders while carefully managing the workloads of their healthy starters.

Getting Snell back would not only strengthen the rotation for the regular season but also provide the organization with another frontline option as it prepares for another deep postseason run.

Snell has established himself as one of MLB’s premier left-handed pitchers through a combination of elite competitiveness, confidence, and the ability to make adjustments during games.

He thrives on attacking hitters and has consistently demonstrated the mental toughness required to perform in high-pressure situations.

His experience gives the Dodgers another veteran presence capable of leading a pitching staff when healthy.

Beyond his physical talent, Snell is known for his determination and willingness to put in the work necessary to return from setbacks. 

Pitchers with his ability to elevate their performance against top competition are difficult to find, making his eventual return particularly meaningful for a team with World Series aspirations.

If he successfully completes his rehabilitation, the Dodgers could welcome back one of the most accomplished starters in MLB at the ideal time of the season.

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