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The dodgers – reds matchup took an unexpected turn Wednesday night when Blake Snell exited after just one inning because of left groin tightness. The Cincinnati Reds defeated Los Angeles, 6-2, at Great American Ball Park, but the result quickly became secondary to the condition of the Dodgers’ veteran left-hander.
Los Angeles entered the game needing either a victory or a San Diego Padres loss to clinch its 13th National League West title in 14 years. Instead, the Dodgers fell short on both fronts while facing fresh uncertainty about their postseason pitching plans.
Critical Blake Snell Injury Clouds Dodgers’ Postseason Rotation
Snell felt something grab while throwing his second-to-last warmup pitch in the bullpen. Although he believed he could make the start, the discomfort remained during his warmups and continued through the opening inning.
The lefty threw only 19 pitches and faced the minimum number of batters. He allowed a two-out single to Sal Stewart, but the rookie was later erased on a pickoff-caught stealing. After the inning, Snell informed manager Dave Roberts and the training staff that he was uncomfortable.
“I’ve strained it four different times. So I’m aware if I kept pitching, I definitely would’ve strained it,” Snell said. “For me to stop, that’s a first. Maybe I’m growing up. I don’t know. But that was definitely the right move.”
Roberts described the situation as one the Dodgers were fortunate to identify early, but he stressed that Snell cannot afford another setback before the playoffs.
“I guess it’s under the ‘I’m glad it’s not worse,’ and we caught it early,” Roberts said.
Recurring Groin Problems Create Major Concern
Snell has dealt with similar injuries throughout his career. In 2024, while with the San Francisco Giants, he spent time on the injured list because of a left groin strain and a left adductor strain. He also missed time because of adductor problems in 2021 and 2022.
The issue is especially concerning because of the explosive way Snell uses his lower body during his delivery. While trying to compensate for the tightness Wednesday, his eight four-seam fastballs averaged 94.5 mph, down 1.5 mph from his season average.
Snell has worked extensively to prevent these flare-ups. Since 2024, he has incorporated Copenhagen planks into his conditioning routine to strengthen and maintain his adductor muscles.
“I haven’t felt it at all until that pitch in the bullpen, and I was just kind of thrown off by it,” Snell said. “I’ve done what I’ve needed to do to be strong and healthy. Definitely a shock to me.”
Dodgers Adjust Pitching Plans After Reds Loss
The early exit forced Los Angeles to use six relievers, with the bullpen covering the final seven innings. Seth Halvorsen, Bobby Miller and Jack Dreyer each surrendered two runs as Cincinnati pulled away.
The Dodgers had already planned a bullpen game for Thursday’s series finale, but Snell’s abbreviated outing complicated that strategy. Justin Wrobleski is scheduled to start, while Landon Knack is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to provide bulk relief. Miller is set to be optioned.
- Blake Snell left after one inning with left groin tightness.
- The Dodgers lost to the Reds, 6-2.
- Snell threw 19 pitches and allowed one single.
- Los Angeles used six relievers after his departure.
- Justin Wrobleski will start the following game.
The Dodgers can absorb some regular-season uncertainty. At 92-60, they remain in a strong position in the National League playoff race and held a 3 1/2-game advantage over the Atlanta Braves for the No. 2 seed at the time of the report.
They also have 10 regular-season games remaining, giving Snell a chance to recover without immediately jeopardizing the club’s postseason position. However, the margin for error is shrinking. Los Angeles was already down to four fully built-up starting pitchers on its active roster.
Snell’s Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Snell hopes to make another start before the regular season ends, but the Dodgers plan to evaluate him over the next several days before making a decision. The organization’s priority is having him healthy and ready to anchor the rotation in October.
His 2026 season has already included two injured-list stints. He opened the year with left shoulder fatigue and later returned to the injured list after one start because of loose bodies in his left elbow, which required surgery.
Since returning on Aug. 11, Snell had been one of the Dodgers’ most dominant pitchers. He entered Wednesday with a 4-0 record and a 1.04 ERA across six starts, allowing no more than one run in any of those appearances. Los Angeles won five of those games.
That recent form explains why the Dodgers are treating the latest injury with caution. The team may be able to navigate the final days without Snell, but losing his postseason presence would dramatically change the rotation’s outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Blake Snell?
Blake Snell left the Dodgers’ game against the Reds after one inning because of left groin tightness. He reported the discomfort after completing the opening frame.
What was the final score of the Dodgers – Reds game?
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-2, at Great American Ball Park.
Will Blake Snell pitch again before the playoffs?
Snell hopes to make another regular-season start, but the Dodgers will monitor his recovery before deciding whether to keep him on schedule or push him back.
Who is scheduled to start for the Dodgers next?
Justin Wrobleski is scheduled to start the next game, with Landon Knack expected to provide bulk relief.
