The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating a critical stretch of their season, balancing injuries with the return of key stars. In a series of roster moves, the team placed starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow on the injured list due to back spasms, but there's good news on the horizon: two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell is set to make his season debut on Saturday, and superstar shortstop Mookie Betts is expected to be activated on Monday.
Snell's start will be his first since the World Series, as the left-hander began the year on the IL with shoulder fatigue. The Dodgers have carefully managed his workload with an eye toward October, and manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Snell will throw five innings against Oakland rather than making a final rehab start. It's a calculated move that shows the team's confidence in their ace's readiness.
Glasnow's setback is a reminder of the fragility of a pitching staff built for a deep playoff run. The right-hander exited Wednesday's game with back spasms, and while an MRI revealed "nothing really significant," according to Roberts, the IL stint gives him time to recover without rushing. This is a familiar pattern for Glasnow, who hasn't made more than 22 starts in a season since 2019 and has landed on the IL in every full season since then. For a team with championship aspirations, managing his health is paramount.
To fill Glasnow's roster spot, the Dodgers recalled reliever Paul Gervase, who could be sent back down to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Snell. The rotation shuffle keeps the bullpen deep while the team awaits reinforcements.
Betts, who strained an oblique on April 4, is slated to play two minor league rehab games in Oklahoma City this weekend before returning to Los Angeles for evaluation. Roberts emphasized that the team will be cautious with the shortstop, noting, "We're not going to run him out there every single day." His return could allow the Dodgers to move on from infielder Santiago Espinal, further solidifying the lineup.
Additional help is also on the way. Utility man Kiké Hernández and reliever Brusdar Graterol have begun rehab assignments, adding depth to both the infield and the bullpen. For Dodgers fans, the next few days represent a turning point: the team is getting healthier, and the pieces are falling into place for a sustained push. Snell on Saturday, Betts on Monday—the reinforcements are arriving just in time.