Looking at this game as a sort of spring training extension—especially for Blake Snell—the Dodgers’ 7-2 defeat against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday might actually have a silver lining.
Snell made his season debut after missing the first six weeks, pitching with a noticeable intensity.
His fastball hit an impressive 98.1 mph, averaging 95.9 mph, so at least he seemed to be back in shape.
His stats? Well, they weren’t pretty. In three innings, he allowed five runs (four of which were earned), gave up six hits, and walked two batters. Still, it didn’t feel as dire as those numbers suggest.
Though the Braves managed to strike out 16 of his pitches, Snell recorded five strikeouts himself. There was definitely potential there.
What he really seemed to lack was that razor-sharp precision, which, given his original plan to pitch in a minor league game that day, wasn’t surprising. But hey, he’s slated to return to regular rotation sooner than expected, thanks to Tyler Glasnow’s recent back woes.
In the first inning, Snell found himself in a jam, loading the bases before even getting an out. Yet, he battled back, striking out two of the next three batters, minimizing the damage to just one run.
The Braves surged ahead in the second inning, scoring four runs—two from Ozzie Albies’ bases-loaded single and two more from Matt Olson’s line drive on a slider that hung too high.
Snell exited after throwing 77 pitches in his three innings on the mound.
On the bright side, he seemed to be making gradual improvements, adjusting to get closer to his typical form, while the performance of opposing starters illustrated how quickly things can change for a pitcher.
Strider, who had just returned from an oblique strain, faced the Dodgers after an unimpressive outing with Colorado, where he gave up four hits, five walks, and three runs over 3 1/3 innings. This time, however, he delivered an impressive six innings of shutout ball, allowing only one hit and two walks against the defending World Series champions.
What It Means
This loss serves as a sobering reminder for the Dodgers.
Just the night before, they triumphed over reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale, winning 3-1, showcasing their potential to seize tough victories. But Saturday’s defeat highlighted how inconsistent their offense can be at times.
Though they permitted Spencer to pitch six complete innings on just 91 pitches, they managed only two hits through the first seven frames. Their only run came from a two-run homer by Andy Pages in the bottom of the ninth.
Who Is Hot
It’s hard to point to any Dodgers batters as hot right now.
However, left-hander Jack Dryer impressed, tossing four scoreless innings and retiring the only batter he faced in the fifth. His performance over the last eight games—8 1/3 innings without allowing a run—has seen his ERA drop from 4.35 to 2.41.
Who Is Not?
Brock Stewart didn’t stick around long. After three days on the active roster, this promising but injury-prone relief pitcher landed back on the disabled list due to a bone spur in his left foot.
Stewart had just returned after missing six weeks recovering from right shoulder surgery last September. During his brief stint, he recorded two scoreless innings, one against the Astros and another against the Braves.
The Dodgers brought Stewart in from the Minnesota Twins last year in exchange for outfielder James Outman.
To the Next
Coming up, the Dodgers will turn to Justin Robleski for an exciting matchup featuring breakout pitchers. Robleski holds a 5-0 record with a remarkable 0.56 ERA. The Braves, in response, are likely to start Bryce Elder, an All-Star from 2023, who has struggled somewhat since then, currently standing at 3 wins, 1 loss, and a 2.02 ERA.
