Dodgers' ace pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow nearing return from injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers' formidable pitching rotation is inching closer to full strength, with manager Dave Roberts providing positive updates on two key starters. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is on the verge of returning to the major league roster, according to Roberts.

Snell, who inked a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason, has been sidelined for much of the current season due to injury. He underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow after making just one start following his return from a previous injury. Prior to that, he had pitched only 11 regular-season games last year due to a shoulder issue.

However, Snell has been progressing well through his rehabilitation. He recently made a strong appearance in a Class-A game, pitching four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, and striking out nine batters. Roberts indicated that Snell's next minor league rehab start is targeted for his return to the majors, with the hope of him throwing five innings and around 75 pitches in that outing.

Adding to the positive news, star pitcher Tyler Glasnow is also on the mend. Glasnow, who signed a five-year, $136.5 million deal in December 2023, recently completed a live batting practice session and is set to begin his own minor league rehabilitation games. With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Snell, and Glasnow, the Dodgers' "big four" aces are working towards being fully operational, though Ohtani's return to the pitcher's mound remains undetermined.