Blake Snell of the Dodgers Shares His Thoughts on Live Batting Practice After Responding to Critics
Blake Snell Takes Significant Step in Rehab at Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, CA – Left-handed pitcher Blake Snell advanced his rehabilitation efforts on Saturday by throwing an inning of live batting practice at Dodger Stadium before the Dodgers’ game against the Texas Rangers. This marks a crucial milestone in his recovery process.
“It’s very big,” Snell stated. “To be able to face two good hitters and feel good — I’ve got a lot of work to do still, but definitely a big step.”
Snell faced delays in his preparation for spring training due to postseason pitching and shoulder issues that sidelined him for approximately four months last season, a condition the Dodgers attributed to inflammation in his left shoulder.
“I feel great,” he remarked. “I’ve done a lot of different things than I did last year when I was in this position. So I feel way better. I’m just very excited about how I feel right now; getting back to some normalcy again feels really good. I just can’t wait to pitch.”
As part of his rehabilitation strategy, Snell has revisited previous workout routines, incorporated Pilates into his regimen, and altered his diet. In addition to his training, he has maintained his engagement with fans through Twitch livestreaming, where he recently addressed negative comments regarding his injury. While responding, he expressed the challenges of competing at a high level despite his discomfort, humorously acknowledging his need to monitor his language.
“I’m trying to game with my people, then trolls want to get in there and got something to say,” he said with a smile. “I should watch my language a little bit, but outside of that, it was pretty true. I’m going to have fun, going to be myself.”
Looking ahead, Snell will continue to build his workload through simulated games before potentially moving toward a minor-league rehab assignment. The exact number of live batting practice sessions required before advancing has not been specified.
Sitting in the dugout, Snell acknowledged the presence of the Dodgers’ front office staff, including president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and field manager Dave Roberts. Roberts later indicated that Snell may need to work up to around three innings before returning to game action.
“I just miss pitching; it’s what I love,” Snell said. “So to be able to do that again, I was very excited coming to the field today. Like, I finally get to throw and pitch and see where I’m at, see if I’m good, bad, kind of figure myself out.”
In his recent session, Snell focused on throwing strikes and gauging the effectiveness of his pitches, while also seeking feedback from teammates Tommy Edman and Alex Call, who faced him during practice.
“The next one I want to be more crisp; I want to hit locations more,” he noted. “I only have so many starts left before I’m back. So I really have to hone in and make sure these weeks are very important.”
In related injury updates, Edman, who underwent offseason ankle surgery, remains on track for a late May activation according to Roberts. Additionally, Mookie Betts, currently dealing with a strained right oblique, participated in catch before Saturday’s game. As progress continues, Snell’s return to the mound is highly anticipated by both the team and its fans.
