Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell was removed from his game against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday after one inning due to left groin tightness, as confirmed by the team.
Snell threw 19 pitches before exiting, allowing one hit—a single to Sal Stewart—which he erased with a pick-off play that ended the inning. He was replaced by Blake Treinen in the second inning. The Dodgers have not specified a timeline for Snell’s return.
Pitching Performance and Recent Form
Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, has been one of the Dodgers’ most effective pitchers since returning from the injured list in August. Through 34.2 innings pitched in his last seven starts, he owns a 1.04 ERA with 46 strikeouts and no losses. His season ERA stands at 1.86 over 38.2 innings.
This season has been marked by setbacks for Snell. He began the year on the injured list with shoulder fatigue, missing the first month and a half. He returned on May 9 but allowed five runs in a start before being placed back on the injured list due to loose bodies in his left elbow. The Dodgers utilized a revolutionary "NanoNeedle" procedure to expedite his recovery, allowing him to return in August.
Injury History and Context
Snell has a documented history of left groin and adductor strains, having spent time on the injured list in 2021, 2022, and 2024 for similar issues. His most recent return from elbow surgery occurred in August, and Wednesday’s exit marks the first time this season he has left a game early due to injury.
Impact on Postseason Rotation
With the Dodgers’ postseason rotation seemingly set, Snell’s potential absence raises questions about their depth. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Justin Skubal were previously viewed as the core of the rotation, but injuries to other pitchers have reduced flexibility.
Roki Sasaki remains on the injured list due to a blister on his middle finger, while Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch again this season after a series of injuries. Eric Lauer, acquired midseason, is on the 60-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. Among these pitchers, Sasaki is considered the most likely to step into the rotation if needed, given his strong performance after the All-Star break.
The Dodgers have not announced a replacement for Snell in their rotation, and no timeline has been provided for his availability.