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Dodgers Place Blake Snell on IL with Elbow Issue

5/16/2026

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Summary

Snell on IL

Los Angeles Dodgers placed left-handed pitcher Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list because of loose bodies in his left elbow.
Manager Dave Roberts said surgery has not been decided and that the IL was back-dated to May 12, making May 27 the earliest return.
Snell, who had just returned from a shoulder-fatigue IL, allowed five runs in three innings against Atlanta and is under a five-year, $182 million contract signed in November 2024.

Summary

Dodgers Scratch Snell

The Dodgers scratched Blake Snell before the series and started a game with Will Klein (1-2, 2.76 ERA).
Charlie Barnes was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Snell.
Manager Dave Roberts said the team may try rest and cortisone shots before surgery, confident Snell will return this year.
With Snell and Tyler Glasnow injured, the Dodgers could call up River Ryan and have options like Griff McGarry, Jake Eder and Jackson Ferris.

Summary

Roberts Prioritizes Rest

Dave Roberts (Dodgers manager) said the priority is to keep pitchers on a six-man rotation.
The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani a rare day off from the hitting lineup.
Freddie Freeman sat out after 13 straight games, showing the team will rest veteran position players.
Roberts noted each starter will get at least five days rest, with bullpen games ready if rotation depth thins.

Summary

Dodgers Pitcher Crisis

The Dodgers have placed a record 14 pitchers with $100 million-plus contracts on the injured list recently.
Edwin Diaz will miss about three months after the All-Star break, having pitched in only seven games.
Tarik Skubal underwent a less-invasive loose-body surgery that could shorten his recovery.
ESPN source Alden Gonzalez said surgery is likely for Snell’s elbow, prompting the Dodgers to consider regular bullpen starts to protect the rotation.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Los Angeles Dodgers gave left-hander Kevin Brown a seven-year, $105 million deal, the first MLB contract to top $100 million. That landmark opened a wave of blockbuster pitcher contracts, exemplified by Blake Snell’s five-year, $182 million extension with the Dodgers. The pattern shows how the Dodgers’ payroll strategy now hinges on a roster of multi-hundred-million arms.

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Snell on IL

Los Angeles Dodgers placed left-handed pitcher Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list because of loose bodies in his left elbow.
Manager Dave Roberts said surgery has not been decided and that the IL was back-dated to May 12, making May 27 the earliest return.
Snell, who had just returned from a shoulder-fatigue IL, allowed five runs in three innings against Atlanta and is under a five-year, $182 million contract signed in November 2024.

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