{
  "id": 1750215,
  "title": "Blake Snell Continues Dominant Stretch Following IL Return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/blake-snell-continues-dominant-stretch-following-il-return",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T16:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/blake-snell-continues-dominant-stretch-164500643.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Dodgers ace Blake Snell made his second start since returning from elbow surgery on Monday, delivering another stellar performance on the mound. In his debut against the Kansas City Royals, Snell pitched six innings of one-run ball, striking out 10 batters as the Dodgers secured a victory. On Monday, Snell allowed just one run over six innings, striking out five batters. However, his outing was not without hiccups, as a shaky third inning allowed the Rockies to regain momentum in the game. Snell walked the bases loaded in that frame without recording an out, and a subsequent groundout plated a run for the Rockies.\n\nDespite the shaky start, Dodgers manager Rick Roberts praised Snell's performance, stating that he \"did a really nice job\" aside from the third inning. Snell displayed improved control and utilized his changeup more effectively, leading to a successful outing. His last two starts have significantly improved from his lone start in 2026, where he allowed four earned runs in just three innings during his debut of the season.\n\nSnell initially landed on the injured list during spring training due to fatigue in his throwing shoulder following the Dodgers' grueling 2025 season. He remained on the injured list until May, making his first start of the season in early May. Following that, he suffered from loose bodies in his elbow and underwent the innovative \"NanoNeedle\" procedure, returning just a few months later. The difficulty of returning from elbow arthroscopy is evident with closer Edwin Diaz, but Snell's strong performances following his return are encouraging for the Dodgers. As the team aims for their first three-peat, Snell will seek to maintain his momentum in the remainder of the season.",
  "summary": "Los Angeles Dodgers starter Blake Snell made his second start since returning from the IL Monday, and produced another strong showing.",
  "key_points": [
    "Blake Snell returns from elbow surgery to start second consecutive game",
    "Strikes out 10 batters, allows only 1 run in start against Royals",
    "Dodgers manager praises Snell's control and changeup effectiveness"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}