Blake Snell will undergo elbow surgery to remove loose bodies from his left arm, a move that could see the Cy Young winner return before season’s end. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the procedure today on Tuesday, after Snell gave up four earned runs in three innings on his first start back from shoulder fatigue. Roberts said the operation should allow a quicker recovery today.

Snell missed most of last season because of a shoulder injury, limiting him to 11 starts but still contributing six postseason appearances that helped the Dodgers secure a back‑to‑back World Series title. The latest issue was revealed Thursday, and manager Dave Roberts compared the upcoming procedure to Detroit ace Tarik Skubal’s minimally invasive surgery, which enabled Skubal to resume light work within a week.

Roberts added that, while a precise return timetable remains uncertain, scans suggest Snell could return sooner than later. The Dodgers are already coping without closer Edwin Diaz, who had his own elbow surgery in April, and starter Tyler Glasnow is on the injured list for back spasms, leaving the rotation thin.