The Los Angeles Dodgers moved one step closer to getting Blake Snell back on the mound Friday as the veteran left-hander completed his second rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Pitching against the Sacramento River Cats in West Sacramento, Triple-A affiliate for the San Francisco Giants, Snell continued to build toward his anticipated return to the major-league rotation, delivering an encouraging performance as he works back from an elbow injury.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner tossed 2.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits while striking out three without issuing a walk. He threw 49 pitches, 32 for strikes, demonstrating improved command as his workload continues to increase.

The outing marked another positive milestone for Snell, who is targeting a return to Los Angeles sometime in August.

His 2026 season has been interrupted by multiple injuries. Left shoulder inflammation delayed the start of his campaign before he made his lone major-league appearance on May 9. Shortly afterward, Snell was sidelined again because of loose bodies in his left elbow, forcing another lengthy stint on the Injured List.

Despite making just one appearance for the Dodgers this season, Snell remains a critical piece of the club's plans entering the stretch run.

Los Angeles has managed to navigate numerous pitching injuries throughout the year, but the organization expects its rotation to receive a significant boost once Snell is healthy enough to return.

While his regular-season contributions have been limited in 2026, Snell already demonstrated last postseason how valuable he can be on baseball's biggest stage.

During the Dodgers' run to the World Series championship, the left-hander posted a 3.18 ERA while recording 41 strikeouts across six postseason appearances, helping anchor the club's pitching staff during October.

The Dodgers are hopeful he can once again become a difference-maker down the stretch and provide another frontline arm as the postseason approaches.

Friday's performance offered another sign that Snell is trending in the right direction. His ability to throw strikes consistently, avoid free passes and build up his pitch count represented meaningful progress in his rehabilitation.

If he continues advancing without setbacks over the next several outings, Snell appears on track to rejoin the Dodgers sometime next month, giving Los Angeles another experienced starter as it prepares for the final weeks of the regular season and another postseason push.

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!