Blake Snell Emerges as Dodgers’ October Ace After Challenging Season

Blake Snell has emerged as a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, transforming from a struggling acquisition into an October ace during the 2025 postseason. His journey through a challenging season has been marked by significant obstacles, including injuries and personal hardship.

Challenges Faced by Snell

Snell’s season began with complications. A shoulder injury led to two disappointing starts and a four-month stint on the injured list. He described this period as “the hardest year of my career.”

In addition to his injury woes, Snell encountered a personal crisis. On the day his wife, Haeley, gave birth to their second child, he fell ill in the hospital. His condition deteriorated to the point of fainting, requiring emergency care and IV fluids. Despite these setbacks, Snell focused on his goal, stating, “Find the best in yourself. Fight through all the doubt.”

Resurgence and Dominance in October

As the postseason approached, Snell found his form. His statistics have been remarkable: an impressive 0.86 ERA across three playoff outings, and a scheduled start in Game 1 of the World Series.

Dodgers’ Pitching Rotation Dynamics

• Injuries affected key starters, including Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani, impacting the early season.
• Snell was seen as a vital anchor for the rotation, critical for a late-season resurgence.
• Dodgers’ management identified Snell as an essential asset to support their postseason ambitions.

Manager Dave Roberts emphasized Snell’s importance, saying, “Having him get back to pitch the way he did raised the bar for everyone.” His return shifted the team’s dynamics, providing the stability needed for the Dodgers to regain their competitive edge.

Performance Highlights

Snell’s performance improved notably in September with standout appearances, including:

• 11 strikeouts in six scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies.
• 12 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.

His playoffs have showcased his dominance further, with effective performances such as:

• Seven innings of two-run ball vs. the Cincinnati Reds in the wild-card round.
• Six scoreless innings against the Phillies in the division series.
• Eight scoreless innings with ten strikeouts in the NL Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Snell’s postseason statistics place him alongside legendary figures. In the live-ball era, only three pitchers have achieved 20 innings with at least 20 strikeouts and an ERA under 1.00.

As the Dodgers head into the World Series, Snell is poised to be critical to their championship aspirations. He remains humble, asserting, “I feel like I could be way better,” indicating a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Blake Snell’s transformation from adversity to ace serves as a testament to resilience and the pursuit of greatness. The Dodgers are now four wins away from achieving their ultimate goal—an indication that overcoming challenges can lead to success on baseball’s biggest stage.