Blake Snell to begin rehab assignment this weekend

May 9, 2024, 11:52 AM

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Blake Snell #7 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against th...

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

When San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell was placed on the 15-day injured list back on April 24th due to a left adductor strain, the left-hander seemed optimistic he wouldn’t endure an extended absence.

“Probably a little longer [than the 15-day injured list minimum],” Snell said of his injury. “I would say probably two weeks. If everything goes well, that’s what I want.”

Just over two weeks removed from his placement on the injured list, Snell will throw a bullpen on Thursday before starting a rehab assignment with Single-A affiliate San Jose on Sunday, Giants manager Bob Melvin shared on Wednesday.

Blake Snell is scheduled to throw a bullpen tomorrow then is expected to pitch a rehab assignment game in San Jose on Sunday, Bob Melvin said.

— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) May 8, 2024

San Francisco has been bitten by the injury bug early this season, with Snell’s injured list aligning with fellow starters Alex Cobb (hip) and Robbie Ray (Tommy John recovery) before slugger Jorge Soler (shoulder) was placed on the injured list Wednesday.

Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, had yet to showcase his All-Star form before going down with an injury.

During his first three starts in a Giants uniform, Snell posted an 0-3 record and 11.57 ERA over 11.2 innings, striking out 12 batters and walking five.

It’s still early in the season, meaning that the southpaw has plenty of time to get back on the mound and help a San Francisco rotation that is currently ranked 24th in ERA (4.51) and 21st in strikeouts (296).