The Los Angeles Dodgers face a significant setback as two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. The left-hander is still recovering from a shoulder injury that has persisted since last season, forcing the team to adjust its pitching plans for the season opener.

Snell's absence creates a major hole in the Dodgers' rotation, which was counting on his elite talent after signing him to a lucrative contract. The 31-year-old won his second Cy Young Award with the San Diego Padres in 2023, posting a 2.57 ERA and striking out 234 batters in 180 innings. His durability has been a concern, however, as he's never thrown more than 180 innings in a season.

The Dodgers will need to reshuffle their pitching staff and potentially call up a minor league arm or rely on a veteran free agent to fill the Opening Day void. Manager Dave Roberts and his staff now face the challenge of managing Snell's workload and health throughout the season, with the hope that he can return to form once fully recovered.