Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a series win over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday afternoon, in part due to Blake Snell’s effective start.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner returned to the mound after being limited to just one inning in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 16 due to left groin tightness.
Despite not having his best stuff, Snell held the Giants to just one run on five hits and collected three strikeouts in four innings of work.
“Overall, happy to be out there pitching again,” he said on SportsNet LA after the Dodgers’ 4-3 win. “A ton of inconsistencies today, but found ways to be in the zone, learn, grow, get better. But yeah, definitely just tough. I took a long time off, and it was pretty easy to tell it’s been 10 days or something.
“It’s been a while. Got a big week ahead of me. Lock that in and get ready for the DS. I’m really looking forward to that.”
At the time of his groin injury, Snell expressed optimism that it wouldn’t be a long-term issue. He wants to see how he feels later in the week, but believes he is healthy enough to keep pitching.
“I think I’m past it,” Snell said of his groin injury. “I didn’t feel it all today. I didn’t really even think about it today, so that’s a really good sign. Definitely happy with where I’m at.
“Now this is a big week for me. Catch has to be great, bullpens have to be great. I’ve really got to focus on getting in my legs and the consistency of every throw. To be able to pitch today and learn all of that, is bigger than I could ever really express. Pitching today was big for me just to continue to learn.
“Really, I’ve got a whole week to get better, which I know I’m going to do. I’m excited about that.”
Next step for Blake Snell
With his start against the Giants, Snell finished 4-1 with a 1.90 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 11.6 strikeouts per nine in 42.2 innings pitched across three starts during the regular season.
As long as he doesn’t suffer an unexpected setback, the left-hander will next take the mound in the National League Division Series that begins on Saturday, Oct. 3. Snell would likely pitch one of the first three games of the NLDS, depending on how the Dodgers want to line up their rotation.
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