Padres News: Blake Snell Named Friars Opening Day Starter
Padres fans, the time is almost here. With less than a week until your Friars take the field for their 2023 season opener against the Colorado Rockies, we now have been given the answer as to who will be pitching for us.
Blake Snell has been selected to kick off our year and take the mound in the first official game. There was a lot of speculation as to what San Diego's plan was after Joe Musgrove's foot injury and Yu Darvish's delayed warm-up process while in the WBC, but it looks like their 30-year-old LHP will take on the task for them.
The news was first shared on MLB Network.
"Blake Snell will be the Padres opening day starter against the Colorado Rockies, as just announced on MLB Network."
(Via 97.3 The Fan).
Snell will definitely look to take full advantage of this opportunity as he wasn't able to start his 2022 season until May due to an elbow injury. He has proved to become one of the Friars' most consistent options at pitcher as he recorded 3.38 ERA over 128 innings last year.
When he was first acquired via a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2020, Snell was always viewed as someone who could play a major role in San Diego's success. His 2021 season was also plagued by a groin injury but he stuck to his recovery program and gained the trust of the franchise.
He has been a bit inconsistent at times but history shows that he will likely get it together now will a full offseason of health under his belt. Snell has brought home the Cy Young award before and while he may not reach those heights again with the Padres, he certainly brings a lot to the table.
Team manager Bob Melvin also confirmed Snell's starting spot in a media session provided by '97.3 The Fan.'
