Blake Snell’s early exit sparked injury fears, but a cautious approach to his groin left tightness may save his season as the postseason nears for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers received a scare Wednesday when Blake Snell left his start against the Cincinnati Reds after only one inning. However, the left-hander appears to have avoided the worst possible outcome.
Snell faced three batters at Great American Ball Park before leaving the game and heading into the clubhouse. The Dodgers soon announced that left groin tightness had forced him from the mound.
The diagnosis immediately created concern because Snell has an extensive history of groin injuries and aggravations.
Will Snell miss some time?
After the game, Snell told SportsNet LA that he expected everything to be fine. He explained that he felt his groin grab near the end of his pregame bullpen session but initially attempted to pitch through the discomfort.
Snell hoped to complete five innings despite the issue. However, after consulting with Dodgers personnel, he decided to end his outing after the first inning instead of risking a more serious injury.
Blake Treinen replaced Snell in the second inning. He became the first of six Los Angeles relievers used to cover the remainder of the game.
The bullpen was unable to lead the Dodgers to a victory as Cincinnati earned a 6-2 win.
Snell, a former Cy Young Award winner, has made only eight starts this season because of shoulder and elbow problems. He’s 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 38.2 innings.
Snell’s recent history also includes several groin injuries and aggravations, making the decision to remove him early Wednesday a sensible precaution.
Snell’s mindset
Snell’s competitiveness helps explain why he initially wanted to remain in the game and complete five innings. Starting pitchers are conditioned to work through discomfort, protect the bullpen and give their team as much length as possible.
However, experience is also knowing when continuing could turn a manageable problem into a significant absence. By communicating with the Dodgers and accepting an early exit, Snell showed an understanding of the larger situation.
His value comes from more than the quality of his pitches. Snell possesses the confidence to challenge hitters, the patience to adjust when his command is inconsistent and the ability to escape difficult situations without losing his composure.
He can disrupt timing through changes in velocity and movement while using different parts of the strike zone. That unpredictability prevents hitters from settling into a comfortable approach.
Snell also brings experience from important games and understands the preparation required for postseason pressure. His presence gives the Dodgers a starter capable of controlling a lineup when healthy.
The immediate priority is ensuring the tightness does not develop into another extended problem. Snell’s willingness to compete remains important, but protecting his health matters more with the postseason approaching.
Ending Wednesday’s start after one inning gave him the best opportunity to avoid another significant setback.
