Blake Snell was outstanding for the San Diego Padres on Friday night, and he managed to be that way even though his fourth pitch abandoned him.
Snell threw seven one-hit innings against the New York Mets, striking out 10 and walking only one. His fastball, slider and curveball were all working perfectly, but the same couldn’t be said of his changeup. Snell threw only three of them during the entire start, none of which went for strikes.
Snell’s response? The changeup is currently being disciplined.
You know what they say about how left-handers can be an eccentric bunch. If it works, it works.
Snell has actually struggled by his standards this season, posting a 4.83 ERA so far. Friday’s outing was much more demonstrative of what he can do. If Snell can get his changeup right, results should follow. That said, based on what we know about how blunt Snell can be, that pitch is going to get a real tongue-lashing.
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