Blake Snell (for now) appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Snell lasted just one inning into his start on Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds. Snell faced only three batters before exiting the game and heading into the clubhouse at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.
初回投げ終えたスネルの後をロバーツ監督が pic.twitter.com/o6hG015XWY
— 𝕪𝕦𝕜𝕚 (@Shohei17toR) September 16, 2026
Shortly thereafter, the Dodgers revealed the concerning news that Snell had been removed due to left groin tightness. The update was especially troubling given that Snell has a long history of groin injuries.
After the game, Snell spoke with reporters. He said that everything “should be good” and noted that he simply felt a grab towards the end of his pregame bullpen session. Snell added that he was trying to get through five innings before deciding along with Dodgers personnel to simply cut the outing short after one frame.
"I was gonna try to get through five, but I just knew I didn't have a good shot of doing that and remaining healthy."
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 17, 2026
Blake Snell discusses exiting the game after the first inning with groin tightness. pic.twitter.com/15pObju70M
Blake Treinen took over for the Dodgers in the second inning and was one of six different relievers who finished out the game. In the end though, it was the Reds who got the 6-2 victory over the Dodgers.
The former Cy Young winner Snell has been limited to just eight starts this season due to shoulder and elbow issues. Snell has also suffered a number of injuries and aggravations to his groin in recent years, so it was probably a smart move to send him to the showers early on Wednesday.
