Blake Snell took a significant step toward returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation after a dominant rehab outing on Wednesday. The veteran left-hander struck out nine batters over four scoreless innings for the Single-A Ontario Tower Buzzers, allowing just one hit and throwing 45 of 60 pitches for strikes. His fastball velocity consistently reached 95 to 96 mph, signaling a strong performance after his extended injury absence.

Snell gave up a one-out single in the first inning but then retired 11 consecutive batters, including three straight strikeouts in the second inning. The outing closely aligned with the Dodgers’ planned workload for the appearance, which called for four innings and approximately 60 pitches. Ontario manager John Shoemaker noted the organization aimed for 60 to 65 pitches with Snell’s efficiency determining the length of his outing.

Manager Dave Roberts said the team had set the goal for Snell to reach four innings and about 60 pitches, and the pitcher met those benchmarks effectively. While the Dodgers have not formally announced their next step, this performance may represent Snell’s final test before a potential return to major league action.

The key question remains how Snell’s arm and shoulder respond to the outing in the days ahead. The timing of this rehab start is crucial as the Dodgers are currently short on healthy starters. Shohei Ohtani is unavailable due to injuries to his right biceps and left knee, and Tyler Glasnow is sidelined with lower-back spasms. With the team missing the six healthy starting pitchers needed to maintain its preferred rotation structure, pressure is mounting to expedite Snell’s return.

Snell, 33, has appeared in only one major league start this season. He began the year on the injured list with shoulder fatigue and returned briefly in May before loose bodies were discovered in his left elbow, requiring a minimally invasive procedure and placing him back on the injured list.

Since surgery, Snell has proceeded cautiously through a gradual throwing program, with the Dodgers prioritizing his long-term health and availability for the postseason over an early return during the summer months.

While another rehab start is not ruled out, Snell’s strong outing suggests he may soon face a tougher assignment in the Dodgers’ rotation as the team looks to bolster its pitching depth heading into the final months of the season.