Padres News: Blake Snell Was Offered to Skip Start Against Dodgers, But Wanted to Face Them

He was on a mission Wednesday night...

The San Diego Padres haven’t had much go right for them this season, but for a brief moment, things felt good on Wednesday evening. Leaving the field at Dodger Stadium, the Friars had just taken two of three from their NL-West division rivals, and pitcher Blake Snell threw another great outing.

Snell is currently the favorite for the NL Cy Young Award, but he just wanted to go out there to get his team a win. The Padres had offered Snell to get an extra day of rest earlier in the month when they were planning their rotation out, but Snell wanted to face LA. 

He wanted the challenge of going up against a lineup like the Dodgers.

“I just enjoy the moment,” Snell said. “I enjoy the challenge. That’s why you play, to play the best teams. It’s the only way you can really tell how good you are.”

Per MLB.com

Things definitely seemed to work out well, as he went six innings of scoreless ball. He only allowed one hit and struck out eight batters as well. It was another reminder of how special of a season he has had this year.

“In the process, Snell lowered his ERA to a Major League-best 2.43. He entered Tuesday’s start already the apparent frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award -- but with a handful of contenders on his heels.”

Per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com

This performance will likely only boost his chances even more. He didn’t shy away from the pressure and delivered one of his best starts of the year.

Unfortunately, for Snell, his efforts this season may not be enough to get his team into the postseason. San Diego has been struggling all year to get back into contention, and with only a few weeks left, things don’t look great for them.

But if he can win the Cy Young Award, it won’t be all lost for this year. While he would prefer the team success, Snell does have individual goals. Plus, he is a free agent this offseason, so performances like these really help his chances of getting a massive payday.

It was an impressive game overall for Snell and one that could end up defining his award-winning season.