San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell has had a rough go of it so far in the 2024 MLB season.
After already spending time on the injured list back in April, the two-time Cy Young award winner is headed to the IL again after prematurely ending his start for the Giants on Sunday against the New York Yankees with a mild groin strain.
Giants' manager Bob Melvin was hopeful that Snell wouldn't miss too much time, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“SF Giants Bob Melvin is hopeful Blake Snell can return within a few weeks after his mild groin strain: ‘Hopefully he's back throwing soon and doesn't have to go through an extended period of build up and rehab and stuff like that again, so hopefully we caught a break on that.’”
Snell was facing Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo in the fifth inning right before he exited the mound with the injury, which appears to be close to what he dealt with when he first landed on the IL.
Snell said this is the fourth or fifth time over the past three to four years that he has dealt with a groin injury, per ESPN.
“What I'm doing, I've got to change something or add something,” he said. “Definitely got to add something strengthening-wise that I haven't been doing so that I can get the muscle even more prepared for 100 pitches a game. Got a lot to learn, but definitely got to get stronger and make sure this stops happening.”
Blake Snell paying the physical price for signing late with Giants?
Snell ended his free agency very late this offseason, only signing his deal with the Giants fewer than 10 days from San Francisco's season opener against the San Diego Padres, his former team.
During his debut for the Giants on Apr. 8 against the Washington Nationals at home, Snell lasted just three innings, giving up three earned runs on three hits with a pair of walks and five strikeouts.
Snell, who turned 31 last December, signed a two-year deal with the Giants worth $62 million. That contract includes an opt-out option for the 2025 MLB season. Given his issues staying healthy, Snell is facing significant pressure to pitch like the ace he's used to being seen as once he returns from his most recent IL stint.
Otherwise, Snell will likely be left with no real options outside of staying with the Giants for $38.5 million in 2025. If he opts out of his deal with subpar 2024 numbers, he'd be making a huge gamble on himself in the free-agent market so recently after last winter's extended free agency.
With or without Snell, the Giants will have to figure out a way to end their losing skid and get back to winning games. San Francisco has now lost six games in a row.
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