PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Los Angeles Dodgers just took a major hit to their pitching rotation, placing starter Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. That news came ahead of Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, according to MLB.com.
Snell was placed on the IL with a backdated date of March 31, one day after his last start. It’s an especially worrisome development, given that the two-time Cy Young Award winner was off to a great start this season. Snell proved his worth from the start with the Dodgers, posting a 2.00 ERA in his first two starts. He signed a five year, $182 million deal in the off season with the World Series champions.
To replace Snell, the Dodgers have recalled right-hander Matt Sauer from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was on the Tokyo Series roster but did not appear in a game. Adding Sauer provides more bullpen depth as the team continues their victorious ways.
Manager Dave Roberts must now make pivotal decisions about pitching rotation and game plan. As the Dodgers prepare to face the Nationals in their upcoming three-game series, there is hope that the shoulder inflammation proves to be only a minor setback and that he returns to form for Los Angeles.
