Blake Snell is already throwing again.
Before the Dodgers’ series opener against the Angels on Friday, Snell played catch for the first time since he underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow just 2 ½ weeks ago.
“He was excited about that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Snell’s operation was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who used a new medical device that is smaller than a traditional arthroscope.
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers was the first known major leaguer to have loose bodies removed using the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0.
Skubal had his operation on May 6 and is set to start a minor-league rehabilitation assignment on Sunday.
Skubal could pitch in the major leagues as early as next weekend.
Skubal’s recovery won’t affect how the Dodgers manage Snell’s recovery, according to Roberts.
“I don’t know about the timeline,” Roberts said. “But it’s going to be a ways. We’re going to make sure we kind of take care of him.”
Closer Edwin Diaz, who also had loose bodies removed from his elbow in mid-April, continues to progress in his throwing program.
Roberts said Diaz has thrown on consecutive days multiple times.
“All positive with Edwin,” Roberts said.
