Five years after a career-defining moment in the 2020 World Series, Blake Snell reflects not with regret but with gratitude. The former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher, now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, revisits the pivotal Game 6 when Rays manager Kevin Cash controversially pulled him from the mound during a stellar performance. Snell’s removal paved the way for the Dodgers’ victory, but rather than dwell on the past, Snell sees it as a learning experience.
During this offseason’s Dodgers news conference, Snell expressed his appreciation for the game, acknowledging that if he wanted more time on the mound, it was his responsibility to perform better. This perspective has been central to Snell’s journey over the past five years. Now with the Dodgers, Snell is preparing for another postseason run, aiming to redefine his legacy as a postseason ace and lead his team deeper into October.
Snell’s first season in Los Angeles has been a mixed bag. He started the year with subpar outings while dealing with shoulder soreness, sidelining him for much of the season. Despite these setbacks, Snell showed promise in his return, posting a 2.35 ERA with 72 strikeouts over 61⅓ innings, contributing to Dodgers’ victories in seven of his 11 appearances. With the Dodgers focused on success in the postseason, Snell’s presence is pivotal as they face the Cincinnati Reds in the wild-card round.
Throughout his career, Snell has been known for his talent but has struggled with consistency and efficiency, hallmarks of an ace pitcher. His high walk rates and pitch inefficiency have dogged him, and he admits that his 2020 World Series experience taught him the importance of proving his value to the team.
Last year’s stint with the San Francisco Giants proved transformative for Snell. Interacting with Giants ace Logan Webb, Snell learned the value of strategic pitching approaches, significantly aiding his development. His growth was evidenced by a strong second half, culminating in a no-hitter against the Reds.
As Snell continues to evolve with the Dodgers, he focuses on efficiency and strategic mound work under the guidance of manager Dave Roberts. This relationship bolsters the Dodgers’ confidence in Snell as they enter the playoffs with hopes of sustained success. Snell’s journey from controversy to redemption stands as a testament to his resilience and commitment to excellence on baseball’s biggest stage.