Blake Snell Leaves Start Early Due to Left Groin Tightness

Blake Snell exited his Wednesday start against the Reds after throwing 19 pitches in one inning due to left groin tightness.

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell exited Wednesday night's 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds after pitching just one inning due to left groin tightness. Snell, who holds a 4-1 record and a 1.86 ERA, threw 19 pitches—10 for strikes—allowing one single to Sal Stewart and recording one strikeout. The southpaw noted he felt a "grab" on his second-to-last warmup pitch in the bullpen but completed the first frame before informing the dugout.

The Dodgers utilized six relief pitchers following the early exit, a result that prevented the club from clinching the National League West title on Wednesday. While Los Angeles has secured its 14th consecutive postseason berth, the magic number remained unchanged as the San Diego Padres defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-3 later that evening. Manager Dave Roberts stated the team will evaluate Snell's condition in Los Angeles after he receives further treatment.

Snell’s injury history includes a left adductor strain in 2021 and groin strains that caused missed time in both 2022 and 2024. Earlier this season, he was sidelined by left shoulder inflammation and underwent May surgery to remove bone spurs and loose bodies from his left elbow. Despite the exit, Snell remarked that the current tightness feels less severe than his previous groin injuries and expressed a desire to make one more regular-season start.