Blake Snell Kicks Off Dodgers Rehab Assignment with Ontario Tower Buzzers

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, California — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell is set to make his first game appearance of the 2026 season this Wednesday, officially commencing a minor league rehabilitation assignment with the Class-A Ontario Tower Buzzers.

This crucial step marks his return to competitive play, joining the Buzzers for the second game of their road series against the San Jose Giants. The highly anticipated return was met with enthusiasm, as the Ontario team welcomed him with a social media post.

Snell’s Road to Recovery and Anticipated Return

Snell has been sidelined since the beginning of the current season, placed on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue. His recovery process involved two simulated batting sessions at Dodger Stadium, where he faced live hitters on April 11 and April 15.

Following his initial simulated session in Los Angeles, Snell expressed considerable optimism regarding his current physical condition. He stated, "I’m very excited about how I feel, where I’m at. Getting back to some normalcy again feels really good," highlighting the challenge of maintaining focus during bullpen sessions without facing actual batters.

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Projected Timeline for MLB Reinstatement

The Dodgers organization has consistently indicated that Snell’s expected return to the major league roster would be sometime in late May. This timeline appears to align perfectly with the commencement of his rehabilitation assignment this week, offering a clear path back to the mound.

The schedule allows for approximately three to four rehabilitation starts, providing ample opportunity for him to regain his full form. Even if Snell utilizes the maximum 30 days permitted for his rehab assignment, he is still projected to be ready for activation by the final week of May.

Jeff Woolson, the play-by-play broadcaster for the Tower Buzzers, confirmed on Tuesday that Snell intends to pitch for two to three innings during Wednesday’s game. The exact duration will ultimately depend on his pitch count, ensuring a cautious approach to his return.

The Ontario Tower Buzzers’ game in San Jose is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday, offering fans a first glimpse of the star pitcher back on the mound. Snell’s path back to the mound is a closely watched event, much like other major league developments. For insights into the careers of other baseball figures, you might be interested in the story of MLB Star Garrett Anderson’s Cause of Death Revealed.