LOS ANGELES -- Blake Snell faced live hitters for the first time since reporting left shoulder fatigue, throwing a 15-pitch simulated inning on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. For a Dodgers team navigating several early-season injuries, seeing the veteran left-hander back on the rubber is a significant step toward getting the rotation back to full strength.
Snell’s session included facing Tommy Edman and Alex Call. For Snell, the afternoon was about moving past bullpen sessions and getting his timing back against actual hitters. He spent most of the time checking if the hitters could pick up on any tells in his delivery that gave away his offspeed pitches.
"It’s [a] very big [step], especially facing big league hitters," Snell said.
"I know Tommy getting in there for the first time, that’s big for him. So to get feedback from him is very important. And to see AC [Alex Call], who I faced every time I pitch against the Nationals, he’s a tough hitter. So to be able to face two good hitters and feel good -- I’ve got a lot of work to do still -- but yeah, definitely a big step."
To get back to full strength, Snell has integrated Pilates and a stricter diet into his routine -- changes he says have made him feel more explosive than he was at this point last season. That physical progress is important for a Dodgers team that has leaned on younger arms and bullpen games to stay at the top of the NL West.
"I feel great," Snell said.
"I’ve done a lot of different things than I did last year when I was in this position," added Snell. "So I feel way better and I’m just very excited about how I feel right now where I’m at. Getting back to some normalcy again feels really good."
For manager Dave Roberts, the focus is on the long-term build-up, with the current plan involving Snell reaching a four-inning workload before starting an official rehab assignment. For this specific session, Roberts wasn't charting the radar gun as much as he was watching for a healthy physical response.
"I think this one for me personally is just an exercise," Roberts said.
"I’m not really looking for velocity. I’m not looking for command, to be quite honest. You know, just kind of just getting out there, competing against hitters, and just trying to get through the 20-pitch exercise."
The afternoon was also a big step for Edman, who was seeing live pitching for the first time since his own recovery from right ankle surgery began. Edman’s versatility allows him to cover multiple spots across the infield and outfield. His return, currently targeted for late May, would provide Roberts with more options for a lineup that has navigated several defensive shifts early this season.
"Tommy’s looking good," Roberts said.
"He’s running, not at full speed, but he’s moving really well. Took some live ABs today, which is great. Took them left-handed. But he’s working really hard."
The return of both Snell and Edman would provide much-needed stability for a Dodgers roster that has been stretched thin. While the team has stayed competitive through its depth, getting these veterans through their respective rehab progressions is the next priority.
For Snell, that progression means moving away from just filling the strike zone and toward more precise location in his remaining sessions. While he didn't put an exact date on his return, he made it clear that the intensity is picking up.
"The next one, I want to be more crisp," Snell said.
"Today was more about just throwing strikes, being in the zone, being confident, getting reactions from hitters. So all that kind of mattered, but then the next one’s more location, fine-tuning. 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."