rewrite this title Dodgers may not have key starter for Opening Day

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching depth may be tested early in 2026.

Jack Harris of the California Post reported that manager Dave Roberts said that pitcher Blake Snell is slowly making progress as he looks to ramp up during spring training. However, Roberts also said that it would be difficult for Snell to be ready for Opening Day, as he has been limited to throwing on flat ground.

The Dodgers had been mindful of the workload the rotation handled during the offseason. Harris previously reported that the Dodgers intended to manage their starters’ innings in 2026, aiming to have their top arms ready for the stretch run and into October. Snell, who said that his arm was “tired” and “exhausted” to the point that he delayed his throwing program during the offseason.

Blake Snell can be a weapon for the Dodgers — if he’s on the mound

Durability has been a problem for Snell throughout his career. He has thrown more than 130 innings just twice in his 10 years in the majors. Snell has an extensive injury history, with a strained left shoulder holding him to 11 starts in 2025.

However, there is no questioning Snell’s ability when he is on the mound. He has qualified for the ERA title twice – and won the Cy Young award both times. Snell has posted a 3.15 ERA and a 1.219 WHiP over 1158 career innings, striking out 1440 batters with 521 walks, as his 11.2 K/9 rate is the best in major league history.

Snell will be an important part of the Dodgers’ rotation as they look to win their third consecutive World Series. The biggest question is whether he can stay on the mound for most of the season.