When will the injured Dodgers star return? Latest updates on Snell, Díaz, and Smith

Several key Dodgers players remain on the injured list, diligently rehabbing. Outfielder Teoscar Hernández is nearing a return after homering for the third straight rehab game on Friday, but others face longer recovery periods. Here are the latest updates on Blake Snell, Edwin Díaz, and Will Smith.

Blake Snell

Snell completed a 15-pitch bullpen session on June 26, throwing only fastballs — his first bullpen since undergoing surgery in mid-May to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow. The Dodgers expect him to need at least four more bullpen sessions before advancing to the stage of facing hitters.

Snell underwent the now-famous "nanoscopic needle arthroscopy" minimally invasive procedure, the same surgery that helped Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal accelerate his recovery. However, the Dodgers are focused on ensuring Snell stays healthy for the final stretch of the season and the playoffs. Manager Dave Roberts said he does not expect Snell to return to the majors before the All-Star break.

Snell started the season on the injured list due to left shoulder fatigue and made his only start on May 9, allowing five runs.

Edwin Díaz

Díaz also threw another bullpen session on June 26. His rehab intensity has been gradually increasing since undergoing surgery in late April to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow. Roberts said Díaz is expected to return sometime after the All-Star break.

As a high-leverage reliever, Díaz typically has a shorter recovery timeline than starting pitchers. Last week, Roberts revealed that the team plans to have Díaz complete multiple bullpen sessions and face live hitters before sending him on a minor league rehab assignment spanning three to five games.

The three-time All-Star signed a three-year contract with the Dodgers in the offseason and posted a 10.50 ERA over his first seven appearances.

Will Smith

Smith is currently unable to engage in any baseball activities due to neck inflammation. This means he is unlikely to be activated for the Dodgers' next homestand starting July 2.

After missing four consecutive games, Smith was placed on the injured list on June 11. Although the team initially expected Smith's absence to be brief, Roberts said last week that "it will take more time." Smith recently received an injection to ease the discomfort.

The three-time All-Star catcher has batted .249 with a .720 OPS over 52 games this season.