Dodgers Injury Update: Kyle Tucker news, Landon Knack progress, Blake Snell

Kyle Tucker appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario after exiting Monday’s game with lower back spasms, but the Los Angeles Dodgers aren't rushing him back. Tucker sat out the Dodgers' series in Minnesota, with Thursday’s off-day giving him a natural four-day recovery window.

Tucker said he felt a little better before Tuesday’s game, though he admitted rotating still caused some soreness. Manager Dave Roberts framed the four-day break as a middle-ground approach, giving Tucker time to heal physically while also getting something of a mental reset.

The target for now is a potential return Friday in San Diego, but Roberts acknowledged the club may face a tougher decision if Tucker can't swing or test out his back with enouhg time. Tucker remains confident an IL stint won't be necessary.

Landon Knack begins minor league rehab assignment for Dodgers

Landon Knack is finally taking a meaningful step forward after a right intercostal strain derailed his push for a Dodgers roster spot this spring. The right-hander opened the season on the injured list and was later transferred to the 60-day IL in late April, leaving him to spend the past several months rehabbing at the club’s Arizona complex.

Now, Knack has joined Triple-A Oklahoma City on a rehab assignment, giving the Dodgers a chance to evaluate where he stands physically and competitively after the long layoff. He made his season debut with Oklahoma City on Wednesday, throwing 33 pitches over just 1 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, two runs and a walk.

Knack’s brief spring showing was rough as well, as he allowed eight runs over 6 2/3 innings, but the sample was small and came before the injury shut him down. His 2025 season was uneven between Los Angeles and Triple-A, but the Dodgers have kept him on the 40-man roster for a reason. With their pitching staff once again dealing with injuries, a healthy Knack could still provide valuable rotation or bulk-inning depth later this season.

Blake Snell scheduled for first Dodgers bullpen since elbow surgery

Blake Snell is taking another step forward in his recovery from left elbow surgery, though his return to the Dodgers still appears to be a ways off. The veteran southpaw is scheduled to throw a 15-pitch bullpen session Friday at Dodger Stadium using only fastballs as he begins the next phase of his throwing progression.

Roberts said Snell is expected to complete four bullpen sessions before advancing further. During that stretch, he should begin incorporating breaking balls and off-speed pitches, but facing hitters remains a later step in the process.

Snell underwent surgery on May 19 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, with the procedure using NanoNeedle technology designed to help speed up recovery. He began playing catch in early June and has continued to progress well, but the Dodgers are being careful with his buildup.

Even though Snell is eligible to return from the 60-day injured list on July 10, he won't be ready by then. He still needs bullpens, live hitters and a rehab assignment that could last around a month.

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