Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishPHILADELPHIA — An ominous scene played out on a dreary Sunday morning amid the Los Angeles Dodgers’ feel-good start to the season. Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ $182 million signing this winter, threw a bullpen session at Citizens Bank Park. As he walked back towards the visiting clubhouse, Snell and head athletic trainer Thomas Albert conferred with general manager Brandon Gomes, who then chatted with pitching coach Mark Prior.A little more than an hour later, the Dodgers put Snell on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation, raising concern about the two-time Cy Young winner just two starts into the long-term deal he finally secured this go-around in free agency. It is a troubling development, even if precautionary.The Dodgers recalled Matt Sauer in his place for coverage but will likely need to call on their depth, not just for Snell’s scheduled start Tuesday against the Washington Nationals but for the immediate future.It’s not immediately clear how much time Snell is expected to miss or if the Dodgers had sent the prized left-hander to undergo testing.Snell missed time in recent seasons with the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres but has not gone on the injured list due to an arm-related issue since 2019, when the Tampa Bay Rays placed him on the IL due to loose bodies in his left elbow. In a limited sample this season, Snell struggled with his command and saw his average fastball velocity drop from 95.9 mph to 94.8 mph in the early going.Snell threw nine total innings in those two starts, allowing seven runs (just two earned) while walking twice as many batters (eight) as he struck out (four).“I just gotta attack the zone and throw strikes,” Snell said of the walks after his last start against the Atlanta Braves. “If I can do that, I’ll be good.”The Dodgers were already anticipating the potential need to call up a starter for Wednesday’s game against the Nationals, keeping Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki on a once-a-week pitching schedule. One of the potential options on the 40-man roster, Bobby Miller, was scheduled to pitch in Sunday’s game with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski, who each debuted last season, are the most likely candidates in the interim. Former All-Star Tony Gonsolin is also an option, though he is still in the early stages of his rehab assignment with Oklahoma City.(Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

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