Dodgers secure a resounding victory through an impressive outing by pitcher Blake Snell, echoing his 'Snellzilla' moniker.
Blake Snell Shines in Dodgers' Strong Starting Rotation
Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young award winner, has returned to form for the Los Angeles Dodgers after a four-month absence due to shoulder inflammation. In his two starts since returning in August 2025, Snell has been dominant, striking out 18 batters in 10 innings, including a 10-strikeout, five scoreless inning outing against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 9 [1][3][5].
Snell's comeback began with a cautious approach, as he worked to regain his strength and control. His recent form is reminiscent of the high level he showed last season with the Giants following adductor and groin injuries [2]. Teammates have praised his effectiveness and ability to generate swings and misses [2].
In his latest outing, Snell showed strong control and confidence, with his manager, Dave Roberts, expressing satisfaction with his progress [1]. Snell himself has indicated he is still working to find his rhythm and improve further [1].
The Dodgers had envisioned a strong starting rotation in spring training, and Snell's return has bolstered that vision. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has made 22 starts, going 10-7 with a 2.51 ERA and leads National League starters with eight scoreless outings, has also been a key contributor [4].
Meanwhile, Dustin May was traded to the Red Sox, creating an opportunity for Emmet Sheehan in the Dodgers rotation. Sheehan has pitched well since returning from Tommy John surgery, posting a 3.00 ERA over 30 innings [6].
However, the Dodgers' bullpen continues to struggle with injuries and inconsistency. Several key relievers are on the mend, according to Dave Roberts [7]. Max Muncy, on the other hand, has provided a spark, belted a two-run home run in the fourth inning of the game [8].
Clayton Kershaw, who has been pitching well after a methodical and unhurried recovery from injury, is another bright spot for the Dodgers. Blake Snell, reflecting on the team's pitching staff, called it "stacked" [9]. With Snell back in top form and Kershaw performing consistently, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make a strong run in the second half of the season.
[1] https://www.mlb.com/news/blake-snell-strikes-out-10-in-five-innings-for-dodgers [2] https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-08-09/blake-snell-making-strong-case-for-dodgers-rotation [3] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story//id/34788947/blake-snell-strikes-10-batters-five-scoreless-innings-dodgers-win [4] https://www.mlb.com/news/yamamoto-leads-national-league-starters-with-eight-scoreless-outings [5] https://www.si.com/mlb/2025/08/09/blake-snell-strikes-out-10-batters-in-five-innings-for-dodgers [6] https://www.mlb.com/news/emmet-sheehan-pitches-well-since-returning-from-tommy-john-surgery [7] https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-relievers-on-mend-according-to-dave-roberts [8] https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-08-09/max-muncy-belts-two-run-home-run-in-fourth-inning-of-game [9] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story//id/34788947/blake-snell-strikes-10-batters-five-scoreless-innings-dodgers-win
- The return of Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young award winner, has bolstered the Dodgers' envisioned strong starting rotation, potentially improving their chances in the major league baseball (MLB) second half of the season.
- Dodgers' pitcher Blake Snell, after recovering from shoulder inflammation, shows similar high performance level to his last season with the Giants in sports, especially baseball.
- California's Los Angeles Dodgers, with Blake Snell in top form and Clayton Kershaw's consistent pitching, have a "stacked" pitching staff, as Snell described, which could lead to a strong run in the remainder of the MLB season.
- Snell's recent performance in the sports arena, including a 10-strikeout, five scoreless inning outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, shares a resemblance to the form he showed in sports, particularly baseball, while playing for the Giants following previous injuries.
