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Blake Snell Set for Elbow Surgery, Aims Quick Return

5/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Left-hander Blake Snell will have elbow surgery on Tuesday, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Manager Dave Roberts expects a quick recovery, hoping Snell can return this season on a Skubal-like timeline.
Snell debuted May 9, allowing four runs in three innings before being scratched May 15.
Having loose bodies in his left elbow—the same issue that sidelined Edwin Díaz—Snell holds a five-year, $182-million contract through 2025.

History

Historical Context

Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first ulnar-collateral-ligament reconstruction on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John in September 1974, enabling John to miss 13 months and later win 164 more games. The procedure, now used on roughly one-third of MLB pitchers, underpins Blake Snell’s 2024 elbow surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, as manager Dave Roberts hopes for a comparable return.

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Story summary

Left-hander Blake Snell will have elbow surgery on Tuesday, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Manager Dave Roberts expects a quick recovery, hoping Snell can return this season on a Skubal-like timeline.
Snell debuted May 9, allowing four runs in three innings before being scratched May 15.
Having loose bodies in his left elbow—the same issue that sidelined Edwin Díaz—Snell holds a five-year, $182-million contract through 2025.

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