Blake Snell ‘disappointed’ to hit injured list, eyes early return

Apr 25, 2024, 9:14 AM | Updated: 9:15 am

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Pitcher Blake Snell #7 of the San Francisco Giants looks on d...

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Expectations were high for Blake Snell after the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner inked a free-agent contract with the San Francisco Giants during the closing weeks of Spring Training.

Three starts into his Giants career, Snell is still looking for his first win–and he will likely have to wait for a while following Wednesday’s news that the left-hander will be placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left adductor strain.

Snell, who suffered the injury during his recent bullpen session, has dealt with the same issue twice before—in 2021, when he missed one month, and in 2022, when he was sidelined for three weeks.

“Obviously, disappointed,” Snell said following the Giants’ 8-2 loss to the New York Mets at Oracle Park on Wednesday. “I felt really good this week throwing, even during the bullpen. I was like, ‘Man, I feel really good.’ The ball was coming out good. I made some adjustments that I think are going to be big for me. Just swing-and-miss on a couple of the pitches I was throwing that weren’t getting that.

“Overall, I was pretty excited about what I was going to be able to do today if I pitched. Having that [injury] was pretty upsetting. Now I’ve got to change my focus to get back healthy and get back to pitching.”

Blake Snell provided an update on his injury and why he’s confident he can make a speedy recovery 💪 pic.twitter.com/BseaPjdomB

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) April 24, 2024

Snell is optimistic he will be able to return in a similar–or quicker–timeline, noting he feels stronger this time around.

“I think I’m stronger now, so I don’t think it’s as bad as what they say,” Snell said. “We’re kind of pushing to get it going. Took today off to get treatment, tomorrow I’ll get treatment, then hopefully start getting it going. Didn’t feel good on the last couple of pitches, so I shut it down.”

What is Snell’s ideal return-to-play timetable?

“Probably a little longer [than the 15-day injured list minimum]. I would say probably two weeks. If everything goes well, that’s what I want. But, it’s the groin, so I have no clue.”

During his first three start, Snell posted an 0-3 record and 11.57 ERA over 11.2 innings, striking out 12 batters and walking five.

While Snell felt as if he was turning a corner and on the right path, he will have to wait at least a few weeks before he has another chance to get into the win column for the first time in 2024.

Snell joins fellow starting pitchers Alex Cobb (hip) and Robbie Ray (recovery from Tommy John surgery) on the injured list.

Cobb is due to return in late May, while Ray is set to take the mound in late June or early July after missing nearly the entirety of 2023 and the first half of the 2024 season