Blake Snell’s latest start gives Dodgers an answer while Shohei Ohtani sits
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Blake Snell’s latest start gives Dodgers an answer while Shohei Ohtani sits originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers received encouraging injury news Friday night. It came from the pitcher standing on the mound.
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Blake Snell threw six scoreless innings in a 5-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, continuing a strong return from elbow surgery. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out seven while improving to 3-1. With Shohei Ohtani sidelined by multiple physical issues, Snell’s performance provided the Dodgers with something valuable: stability.
Blake Snell can reshape Dodgers’ postseason rotation
Snell’s talent has never been difficult to identify. The challenge has been keeping him healthy and efficient enough to work deep into games. Friday represented an encouraging combination of both.
He completed six innings, protected an early lead and handed the bullpen a manageable assignment.Snell recently returned from elbow surgery. Every productive outing therefore carries significance beyond the final score. The Dodgers need to know whether his arm can tolerate the rhythm of a postseason rotation.
One scoreless start does not provide the complete answer. It moves the conversation in a positive direction.
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Offense came to life
Kyle Tucker homered, and Teoscar Hernández contributed a two-run double as Los Angeles built a five-run advantage. Washington scored three times in the ninth before Jack Dreyer ended the rally. Ohtani’s absence naturally creates concern.
The Dodgers cannot replace his production with one player, and they should avoid rushing him back while he deals with multiple injuries. A deeper, healthier pitching staff can reduce the pressure for Ohtani to carry every postseason game offensively.
Snell provides another potential advantage.
At his best, the left-hander can dominate a lineup twice and force opponents to chase pitches outside the strike zone. That profile becomes particularly valuable in a short series, when one elite start can completely alter the matchup.
Los Angeles will continue monitoring his recovery and workload. Friday offered the version the Dodgers hoped to see before October: healthy enough to pitch deep, sharp enough to miss bats and efficient enough to prevent a talented roster from needing a dramatic comeback.
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