Blake Snell Aims for Redemption and a New Image with Dodgers in October Run

Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell is tasked with a significant responsibility: saving the team's season in their pursuit of a championship. However, Snell's focus extends beyond the immediate postseason challenge; he is also aiming to reshape his public image, which he feels has been unfairly shaped by past performances and public perception.

Snell acknowledged that his previous postseason outings, particularly in the World Series, have been a source of dissatisfaction. "It’s always how you finish," Snell stated, reflecting on his performances from the prior year. He noted that despite strong showings in earlier playoff rounds, his World Series starts did not meet his expectations. A key point of frustration for Snell is the memory of being unable to feel his fingers during the World Series, a condition he also experienced in the National League Championship Series where he pitched eight scoreless innings.

"If I could do it in the CS, I could have done it in the World Series," he said, expressing a belief that his earlier performance indicated he could have overcome the physical challenge in the championship round.

This drive for redemption is amplified by Snell's awareness of how he is perceived by the public. He is particularly bothered by the notion that he is a slacker who only prepares for the playoffs late in the season. "It’s not like I’m just having surgery because I want to have surgery. I want to pitch. I want to win Cy Youngs," Snell stated, referencing his past injuries, including shoulder issues and a recent procedure to remove bone chips from his elbow, which have limited his playing time.

Snell feels misunderstood and disrespected, especially by the perception that he does not take baseball seriously. "When it comes to me as a pitcher, I know how good I am," he asserted. "I haven’t been able to prove it as much (as I would like). It’s just short sample sizes, and that’s been the frustrating part."

He pointed to his single All-Star selection, which he received as a replacement player, as an example of his perceived underappreciation. "I’ve never been selected as an All-Star straight up. That’s the craziest thing. I got selected when someone got hurt. That’s not making the All-Star team."

As the son of a former minor-league pitcher and coach, Snell desires for his baseball knowledge to be recognized alongside his pitching ability. "I just wish people would watch me pitch and then understand the work that I put into being a good pitcher, great pitcher, is a lot more than they’ve ever experienced or give me credit for," he said. "Because I watch the game, I understand the hitters. I understand who they are right now in the present. I understand who they are as a hitter."

Snell's passion for the sport is evident. "Love it. Love it," he responded when asked about his affinity for baseball. He mentioned that his offseason is entirely dedicated to baseball, including coaching young players through a program he founded. His long-term goals include Hall of Fame induction and pitching until he is 45, though he acknowledges the need to improve his durability after a recent history of limited starts.

"The last two years, I’ve gotten 10 starts a year. That’s not Hall of Fame in my mind. So this offseason is super important. How do I attack it? How do I get my body right? How am I able to make sure I can pitch 30 games, and then on top of that, the postseason? There’s a lot of stuff to prove for myself."

The Dodgers are currently trailing in their National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, two games to none. Snell is scheduled to start Game 3, a critical outing for the team's championship aspirations. His postseason began with a limited performance in the Divisional Round against the Atlanta Braves, where he pitched just 3 ⅔ innings.

Snell's recent workload has been limited due to injury and team management, including a brief outing on Sept. 16 and a four-inning limit in his final regular-season start. Despite these challenges, Snell is focused on his upcoming start and the opportunity to contribute to a potential Dodgers championship, which he believes could help redefine his legacy.