The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit another snag in their pitching plans. Left-hander Blake Snell was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, just six days after making a rocky season debut. Right-hander Will Klein was called in to open a bullpen game in Snell's place, the team announced.

According to reporters on the scene, the move is not believed to be related to the left shoulder inflammation that kept Snell off the mound for the first six weeks of the season. However, the Dodgers did not immediately provide a reason for the scratch, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the two-time Cy Young Award winner's health.

Snell's only start this season came on May 9 against the Atlanta Braves, and it was far from smooth. He lasted just three innings, allowing four earned runs and six hits in a 7-2 loss. It was a tough outing for a pitcher who had been sidelined since spring training.

The 2026 season has been a frustrating one for Snell so far. He missed the start of the year due to what the team described as shoulder fatigue, a lingering issue from a heavy postseason workload. In the 2025 MLB playoffs, Snell was a key contributor for the Dodgers, going 3-2 with a 3.18 ERA in five starts, helping the team on their run to the World Series.

For now, the Dodgers will rely on their bullpen depth as they navigate Snell's absence. The team's pitching staff has already faced its share of challenges this season, and this latest development adds another layer of uncertainty. As Snell works to get back on track, the Dodgers will need their other arms to step up and keep the team competitive in a tight NL West race.