Blake Snell had pitched in just one game this season before needing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.
He made his return on Tuesday night and reminded the world why he has two Cy Young Awards. Snell went six innings, allowing just three hits and one run. He did walk one batter, but the real story were his 10 strikeouts. He dominated the Kansas City Royals lineup and exited the game with the score tied at one.
The Dodgers would score two runs after he exited, but the bullpen imploded once again, and the game ended up going to extras. The Dodgers won in the tenth inning, but Snell's dominant night means so much more than just one win.
For starters, it gives the Dodgers two multi-time Cy Young Award winners in the rotation. With Tarik Skubal and Snell lined up for back-to-back games in this six-man rotation, the Dodgers have to feel good about their chances in every series the rest of the way.
Second, Snell's return takes some pressure off the bullpen. Snell has the ability to go deep into games, like any elite starter. The Dodgers bullpen has been a disaster, and limiting the innings they need to pitch will be important. Snell's return also takes pressure off Shohei Ohtani to rush back.
The rotation is in a great spot right now, and Ohtani can take his time to get back. Skubal, Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski and Eric Lauer are a fine rotation as the Dodgers look to claim a first-round bye. Additionally, Tyler Glasnow is on a rehab assignment and could rejoin the rotation soon.
Snell needed just 84 pitches in his return to go six innings. He likely could have stayed in longer, but the Dodgers will want to ease him back in. His fastball averaged 96.2 mph, which is higher than his average velocity last season.