Two-Time Cy Young Winner Off to Rough Start with The Giants

“I’ll find ways to get better and be the best me,” Snell said after the game. “I don’t get too worried about the three games I’ve had because I know I’m better.”

Blake Snell won his second career Cy Young Award with the San Diego Padres last season after leading the National League in ERA. The 31-year-old southpaw was the top free-agent pitcher on the market before signing with San Francisco midway through spring training. He drew serious interest from postseason contenders who were ultimately hesitant to pay his high asking price.

Blake Snell Roughed Up in Third Start with San Francisco

Snell has yet to look comfortable in a Giants uniform since signing his two-year, $62-million contract with San Francisco. The veteran left-hander got a late start to spring training and never took the mound for a game in camp. He spent a few weeks building up his arm strength in extended spring training before officially joining the Giants rotation.

Snell looked rusty in his Giants debut, giving up three runs over three innings against the Washington Nationals on April 8th. He lasted just four innings against his original team, the Tampa Bay Rays, in his second start, allowing seven runs for the first time in three years. Snell struggled with his command against Tampa Bay, saying after the game, “I just got to get in the zone, attack, and I’ll be fine.”

Despite being notorious for his slow starts, Snell’s current struggles appear to stem from his quick ramp-up and shortened spring. He threw multiple tune-up games simulating spring training, saying while his quick ramp-up has impacted his command, it’s “no excuse.”

Somewhere, there is a disconnect. Giants manager Bob Melvin said he thought Snell looked fatigued after Friday’s loss to the Diamondbacks, but Snell disagreed. He believes his struggles boil down to adjusting to a new team and understanding how San Francisco likes to attack hitters.

“I have to get used to that and add what I like,” he said. “There’s a lot going on. We’ll figure it out. We’ve been doing that a lot more lately. We’ll get there. I have no doubt. I’ll keep getting better and finding ways to be the best me and get past this phase.”