NEW YORK -- The Dodgers' rotation is gearing up to add a two-time Cy Young Award winner to the mix at some point after the Trade Deadline: Blake Snell
Snell, who has been on the injured list since mid-May after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday night. He has a full buildup ahead of him, so it will be some time before he's ready to return to L.A.'s rotation, but the prospect of getting one of their aces back in the next month is nevertheless a key development for the Dodgers.
Here's everything to know about Snell's rehab assignment:
How did he perform?
Snell didn't allow a run in 1 1/3 innings of work, throwing 19 of 32 pitches for strikes. The left-hander struck out four batters and issued one walk and a hit. Snell's fastball averaged 95.3 mph and he generated whiffs on 10 of 15 swings, seven of which came on his four-seamer.
What's next?
Snell should make at least three more rehab starts, with the overall goal of stretching out to the neighborhood of five innings and 75 pitches before being activated by the Dodgers. He will likely build up to three innings and 45 pitches in his next outing with Oklahoma City next week.
What are they saying?
Snell made only one start for the Dodgers after beginning the season on the IL with left shoulder fatigue. Afterward, the loose bodies in his elbow were discovered. Snell underwent the NanoNeedle Scope surgery to remove them, similar to the procedure Tigers ace Tarik Skubal had, and has made a quick recovery.
"He says he feels better right now than he did when he returned before," manager Dave Roberts said.
What else?
Snell is on track for a return around early to mid-August. The Dodgers will need some clarity about the status of Snell and Tyler Glasnow before the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. If both are on track to return and finish the season healthy, then the team may not need to explore rotation upgrades on the trade market. But if there's doubt about either, it could cause L.A. to shift its strategy with a three-peat bid in play.