Opening Day Opportunity
Blake Snell is slated to take the mound for the domestic Opening Day game on March 27. The team’s manager hinted that Snell will start the season’s first game at Dodger Stadium, with his next appearance set for one of the exhibition games in Tokyo. In these games, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and possibly Roki Sasaki are being considered to round out the rotation.
Recent Performance Analysis
His spring training outings have provided a glimpse into areas of adjustment. In his first two starts, Snell allowed four earned runs on six hits over 4.1 innings, resulting in a 7.71 ERA. In a subsequent appearance, he pitched 3.2 innings with 67 pitches against the Athletics, yielding four runs on five hits and registering five strikeouts. One of his outings included surrendering a home run to a left-handed batter, marking a departure from his usual performance with left-handed hitters.
Focus on Pitching Command and Velocity
Snell expressed satisfaction with his velocity during practice sessions, noting that his fastball has consistently reached 96 mph. After recording outs, he returned to the bullpen to work on his offspeed pitches. Emphasizing the importance of fastball command, he underscored that precision with his primary pitch is crucial for success at this level.
Contract Milestone and Career Achievements
The pitcher recently agreed to a five-year contract valued at $182 million. A two-time Cy Young Award winner, Snell previously excelled with standout performances, recording a championship-caliber season with a winning record and impressive strikeout totals. Over his nine-season career, he has compiled a record reflecting strong consistency and effectiveness, contributing significantly to every team he has joined.
With his role on Opening Day confirmed and his commitment to refining his craft evident, Snell stands ready to make a strong start to the season.