Dodgers’ Blake Snell Struggles in Season Debut After Early Return From IL
Blake Snell returned early from the injured list to make his season debut with Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. It was also his bobblehead night. Snell was scheduled to make a final rehab start with Single-A Ontario on Saturday.
But then starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow landed on the IL with back spasms on Friday, and Snell started for the Dodgers instead. May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) throws to the plate during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The initial plan was for Snell to pitch five innings against the Braves.
“[We asked] if he was open to taking the five innings here versus on rehab, and he couldn’t be more excited to do that,” Roberts said of Snell before his start, per the California Post. However, he only lasted three innings and threw 77 pitches in his first start of the season. Snell also gave up six hits and four earned runs.
He walked two batters and struck out five. A rough return to Dodger Stadium for Blake Snell Originally scheduled to make a rehab start, Snell instead got the call back to the big league mound and lasted 3 innings on 77 pitches. The left-hander allowed 6 hits and 4 earned runs, while another run came across following a… pic.
twitter. com/eqSjlnttxj — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 10, 2026 The Dodgers ultimately lost 7-2 to the Braves. Although Snell’s season debut did not go as well as he would have hoped, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Snell is progressing in the right direction.