Dodgers Pitcher Praises Giants Star for Boosting Playoff Performance
Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants has unintentionally assisted his team’s fiercest rivals in their quest for consecutive titles. Blake Snell, who played for the Giants in the 2024 season, transitioned to the Los Angeles Dodgers after securing a five-year, $182 million deal. Snell’s performance has been outstanding in the playoffs, with three starts resulting in no runs allowed over 14 innings.
Blake Snell’s Impressive Playoff Performance
In his recent outings, Snell has excelled, including a remarkable eight-inning scoreless performance against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Leading up to Game 2, he discussed his career trajectory on the TNT Sports pregame show.
Influence of Logan Webb
During his interview, Snell praised Webb, highlighting the key lessons he learned while pitching alongside him in San Francisco. “Going to San Francisco, that’s where I learned how to pitch,” Snell stated, acknowledging Webb’s impressive ability to regularly pitch deep into games.
Snell recalled seeking Webb’s advice on attacking hitters. Webb encouraged him to throw more strikes, emphasizing the benefits of being more aggressive in the strike zone. According to Snell, this approach could lead to lengthier innings, enabling pitchers to go deeper into games.
Snell’s Career Highlights and Challenges
Despite being recognized as one of baseball’s top starting pitchers and winning two Cy Young Awards, Snell struggled with stamina early in his career. Prior to 2024, he never pitched in the ninth inning of any game. His reputation was notably tarnished when he was pulled in the sixth inning of Game 6 of the 2020 World Series, a turning point that led to a loss for his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays.
His half-season with the Giants was initially rocky; however, Snell rebounded impressively in the second half and threw his first career complete game no-hitter in August against Cincinnati.
Transition to the Dodgers and Recent Performance
After declining a player option with the Giants, Snell moved to the Dodgers during the offseason. His first half of the regular season was marred by injuries, particularly shoulder inflammation. Since returning in August, he has demonstrated the skills Webb instilled in him, achieving at least six innings in five out of nine starts.
Looking Ahead
In the postseason, Snell has averaged seven innings over three starts, marking a significant turnaround. The Giants, currently struggling, might find it bittersweet that Snell credits their organization for his improved pitching. If he leads the Dodgers to another championship, the rivalry between these teams is bound to intensify.
- Team: San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Player: Blake Snell
- Contract: 5 years, $182 million
- Post-Season Performance: 3 starts without allowing runs
- Highlights: 8 innings scoreless in NLCS Game 1
- Key Learning: Pitching advice from Logan Webb
