Dodgers' left-handed pitcher Blake Snell adopts a "slow adjustment" approach and may miss the season opener.

The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching lineup for the upcoming season is under close scrutiny. The New York Post reports that the team's star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is seen as the "key challenge" among the pitchers, whereas lefty Blake Snell, worn out from last season's World Series, will take a "slow adjustment" path in his preparation for the season.

Jack Harris of the New York Post analyzed in his report that the team has reached an agreement with Snell to modify his spring training pace. Although the goal remains to be ready for the late March opener, even within the team this is not regarded as a certainty. Snell missed early parts of last season due to left shoulder issues but made a strong comeback later, playing a vital role in helping the Dodgers win the World Series. However, he spent a significant portion of the season in rehab and recovery.

Speaking about his condition, Snell said, "Of course, I want to keep improving, but I need time to let my body fully heal." The 33-year-old lefty further explained, "I gave everything during the postseason. Now, in spring training, there’s no need to rush; I must wait until my body is 100% recovered."

Harris emphasized that the team is intentionally allowing Snell to adjust his pitching at a slower pace, a mindset familiar to the Dodgers. He explained, "The team has long adopted a cautious approach to managing pitchers' workloads, always prioritizing their long-term health and maintaining strength for the October playoffs."

Yamamoto’s condition is also under intense scrutiny, with the report calling him the "biggest challenge" currently facing the Dodgers' pitching staff. Harris analyzed, "Yamamoto pitched a total of 210 innings during the regular season and playoffs last year, the highest among Dodgers pitchers, even appearing in back-to-back games in Games 6 and 7 of the World Series." His workload hasn't decreased. Harris added, "He will also represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic this spring, meaning he must start his adjustments earlier than usual and reach full pitching form before the season starts, which is undoubtedly a major test for the team."

Other pitchers' conditions are also attracting attention: including Tyler Glasnow, who struggled with injuries last season, and Shohei Ohtani, who faces ongoing workload management challenges due to his two-way role. Managing the starting rotation remains a key issue for the Dodgers this season. It is widely expected that Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, and Gavin Stone will all have opportunities to join the starting rotation.