Full Breakdown
Blake Snell Set for Elbow Surgery, Dodgers Face Rotation Gap
5/17/2026, 8:38:57 PM
Elbow Surgery Scheduled for Blake Snell
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell will undergo surgery on May 17 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The procedure will be performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the “NanoNeedle” technique on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Background & Recent Performance
Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, signed a five-year, $137-$182 million deal before 2025. He missed the start of 2026 with left-shoulder fatigue, debuted May 9, and allowed four earned runs in three innings against Atlanta. It was his first start after a 2025 campaign limited to 11 starts.
Timeline of Injury and Surgery
- May 9: Season debut vs. Braves.
- May 15: Scratched; placed on 15-day IL after loose bodies detected.
- May 16: Dodgers announce surgery with Dr. ElAttrache.
- May 17: Surgery performed; recovery timetable not disclosed.
Key Statistics
Snell has 12 starts for Los Angeles with a 2.80 ERA over 64.1 innings and a 3-2 record in the 2025 postseason, which helped the Dodgers win a second straight World Series. His 2019 elbow surgery kept him out for two months.
Official Statements
Dave Roberts said the operation “is supposed to be a quicker recovery” and said Snell will return “this season,” though no timetable is set. He added MRI scans “make us feel good about getting back to play sooner rather than later.” Dr. ElAttrache will assess whether the NanoNeedle technique can be applied.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts warn that accelerating recovery after elbow arthroscopy carries risk, especially given Snell’s recent shoulder fatigue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Dodgers officials have not set a return date. Sources differ: some project a July-August return (2-3 months), others suggest a six-week timeline based on Skubal’s NanoNeedle recovery, while another report cites a one-month window. The precise surgical method remains unconfirmed.
Impact on Dodgers Rotation
Snell’s absence joins closer Edwin Díaz (same elbow issue) and starter Tyler Glasnow (back spasms) on the injured list. With no clear sixth starter, Los Angeles may rely on bullpen games, spot starts, or a call-up such as River Ryan. Rotation depth is key to the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third championship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a quicker recovery. So we’re encouraged about that,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “I think right now anything is on the table,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “Blake Snell has loose bodies in his left elbow, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-time Cy Young Award winner is once again sidelined indefinitely.” — ESPN (Buster Olney)
- “He’s got to make the decision that’s best for him, and whatever way we go, I know we’ll support him,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
Next Steps
Snell’s surgery is set for May 17. Post-operative imaging will confirm if the NanoNeedle approach is feasible. The Dodgers plan to evaluate rotation options in late July, potentially employing a bullpen-centric strategy or promoting a minor-league arm while monitoring Snell’s rehab.
