Blake Snell’s Journey: From NLCS Stardom to Spring Training Setbacks

PHOENIX – Last year, in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Blake Snell delivered an incredible performance.

He didn’t concede any goals, allowed just one shot, and struck out ten batters. It was a display of total dominance against the Brewers.

However, shortly after that game, Snell started to feel something was off.

“After that start, I was like, ‘Oh my god,’” Snell reflected on Sunday.

Ultimately, he learned that the shoulder issue that plagued his first season with the Dodgers didn’t go away. Despite returning from the injured list in early August, the shoulder pain resurfaced after his brilliant outing in the NLCS and lingered through the winter. This was particularly challenging since he managed to pitch in three additional World Series games during that time.

This situation has set him back as he prepares for the new season.

As spring training began, Snell confessed that he’s taking a more measured approach this time, having focused primarily on physical therapy for his shoulder throughout the winter.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently noted that there’s “probably zero” chance Snell will be ready for Opening Day, as he’s still waiting to take the mound.

For the 33-year-old left-hander, such setbacks might have been frustrating in the past. Despite his impressive track record, including two Cy Young Awards, concerns about his durability have shadowed his ten-year career.

Yet, when discussing his current status, Snell seemed more optimistic than frustrated regarding the delayed start.

“I feel great,” he stated. “It’s been tough all offseason, but I finally got to where I want to be. So now I’m just building on that and getting ready for the season… Trusting in my skills and getting everything in sync.”

Reflecting on last spring, he admitted he might have overexerted himself in trying to kick off the Dodgers’ inaugural season after signing a hefty $182 million contract. Eager to pitch, he tried to push through shoulder pain that emerged during an exhibition game in Japan. Although he made the home opener, he landed on the injured list shortly after and was sidelined for four months due to shoulder inflammation.

“Last spring, I was so excited to pitch, but I ended up in a bad situation,” Snell said. “After I went to Japan and started feeling pain in my shoulder, I should have stopped. But I wanted to pitch in the opening game and then again against the Braves. That’s when I thought, ‘Oh.’ I could barely lift my shoulders after that.”

Looking back, he felt proud of his resilience through the playoffs, despite some struggles. Snell had strong outings in the Wild Card Round and Division Series, and even though he faced challenges in the World Series, he made key contributions when it mattered.

“Pitching in the postseason is the best feeling in the world,” he exclaimed, recalling the thrill of performing in front of an excited crowd. “So I want to pitch in more meaningful games.”

“But we need to do everything right to get there,” he added.

This time, Snell is committed to a gradual return, avoiding the lengthy absence he faced last year.

Currently, he’s getting in 90-foot catch plays and has noticed improvements in his speed recently. The Dodgers expect him to be ready to throw off the mound by the end of spring training, after which they can set a clearer target for his return to the rotation.

“The sooner, the better,” he said, expressing his desire to push for another playoff run this fall. “But I trust them and I’m taking my time… We just have to take it slow and steady.”