Rancho Cucamonga, CA – July 11, 2025 – Dodgers fans received a highly anticipated glimpse of two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell on Thursday, as the left-hander made his first rehab start with the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Snell’s outing at LoanMart Field marked a significant step in his return from left shoulder inflammation, an injury that has sidelined him for most of the 2025 season.
Snell, 32, delivered a promising performance, throwing two scoreless innings against the Inland Empire 66ers. Despite a limited pitch count of 31, the southpaw impressed, allowing just one hit, issuing no walks, and striking out four batters. Of his 31 pitches, an efficient 23 found the strike zone, and his fastball reached 97 mph, showcasing the velocity that makes him one of baseball’s elite arms.
“I’m just looking to feel connected, synced, that my arm is feeling like it’s in the right place,” Snell commented earlier this month. “And then, when I pitch, just be healthy, repeating my delivery, not overthrowing. That’s about it. Just trying to master my delivery.”
The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Snell, similar to how they managed Tyler Glasnow’s return from injury earlier this season. The goal for Snell is to make at least three rehab starts or to build up to around five innings in an outing before being considered for a return to the Dodgers’ rotation.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Wednesday that Snell, along with fellow injured reliever Blake Treinen (who also made a rehab appearance on Wednesday with Triple-A Oklahoma City), will head to the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League next week during the All-Star break. This strategic move ensures they continue their rehab progression without missing the four days of the All-Star festivities, keeping them on track for a potential return to the big-league club by the end of July.
While it’s just the first step, Blake Snell’s strong showing with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes offers a significant boost of optimism for the Dodgers, who have battled a rash of pitching injuries this season. “Snellzilla” appears to be on his way back, and his eventual return could provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the Dodgers’ rotation as they eye a deep postseason run.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and ru
