Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell has been slowly ramping up in spring training, and took another step Thursday.The Athletics Fabian Ardaya reported the Dodgers have Snell slated to throw a bullpen Thursday.Listed on the group of Dodgers bullpen throwers today: Blake Snell. Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 12, 2026Snell began throwing off of a mound to a standing catcher earlier in the week, with the Dodgers clearly taking a cautious approach to his recovery. Prior to throwing on the mound, Snell restricted himself to playing catch on flat ground to avoid putting his shoulder in further discomfort.But Im just going to take my time, Snell said at DodgerFest. Last year, I was rushing. I wanted to pitch so bad. But Im going to take my time. The goal is to be ready Opening Day, but Im going to take my time. Ill know more once Im [at Spring Training], throwing bullpens, pitching in games.Last year, I had so much to prove. I got way too excited and was really pushing to get to spring, get through spring. This year, Im going to be a little slower just in how I ramp up be a lot more smarter on that.Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) walks back to the dugout after th eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesSnell had a rocky 2025 as far as injuries go, making just two appearances before landing on the injured list for four months. He had a solid season when he was healthy, posting a 2.35 ERA for the Dodgers through 11 appearances.He also made six appearances in the postseason, keeping a 3.18 ERA through 34 innings pitched.While the two-time Cy Young winner is definitely a huge part of the Dodgers pitching staff, Manager Dave Roberts isnt in any big rush to get him back, and is prioritizing a full recovery.Times ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us, Roberts said.No real update on Blake Snell other than he's throwing off flat ground. Spring calendar is obviously putting his Opening Day status in doubt. "Time's ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us," Dave Roberts said. Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 23, 2026What Does the Dodgers Rotation Look Like Without Blake Snell?Snell is an extremely talented pitcher and just about every other MLB roster would sorely miss him, but the Dodgers have learned from past mistakes and have plenty of starting options other than the 33-year-old.Among their other starters are Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki, who the Dodgers announced would begin the season as a starter earlier in the week.With so many options available, the Dodgers are welcome to take as much time as they need with Snell, and will hope to have him back as early as possible.Are you looking forward to Blake Snells return?