The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Blake Snell this offseason after the two-time Cy Young winner pushed through fatigue to help capture the team’s second straight World Series title.
Snell left everything on the field during the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching 12.3 innings across the series with two starts and a relief appearance in the series-clinching Game 7.
“I was happy I was able to pitch the whole time,” Snell told The California Post during a Dodgers charity event this offseason. “But it was tough.”
The 33-year-old left-hander didn’t sugarcoat how he felt afterward, describing his arm as “tired” and “exhausted.”
Now the Dodgers are prioritizing his long-term health. They’ve slowed down Snell’s winter program significantly, and while he’s hoping to be ready for opening day, that’s not guaranteed.
The organization isn’t treating this as a major concern – more like smart asset management. When you’re chasing history, trying to become the first team to win three straight World Series since the Yankees pulled it off from 1998-2000, keeping your ace healthy matters more than rushing him back.
It’s the kind of calculated risk the Dodgers can afford to take. They’ve got depth, and they’re thinking bigger picture.
What makes this interesting is how it reflects the team’s broader philosophy this winter. After watching key players battle injuries throughout 2024, they’re not taking any chances with their core guys.
Snell’s situation will be worth monitoring as spring training approaches. The Dodgers have shown they’re willing to be patient when it comes to their stars’ health – and that patience has paid off in championships.
