Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell’s second start against his former team carried a little extra weight. Facing the San Diego Padres for the first time since leaving the club last winter, the Dodgers left-hander delivered six shutout innings in Los Angeles’ fifth shutout of the season. Yet, what stood out most wasn’t the scoreline, but the unusual strategy the Padres employed against him.
San Diego tried to rattle Snell early, pushing the tempo on the basepaths. Four of the first five Padres reached in the opening inning, and Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts all attempted to steal. Each time, Dodgers catcher Will Smith erased the threat, throwing out three baserunners in the first two innings alone — something no Los Angeles catcher had accomplished since at least 1974.
“Early on, just kind of feeling out where I was at, they had some good hits. Will kind of held it down,” Snell said afterward. “Through two innings he had three outs and I had three outs. We were competing. But no, that kind of set the tone.”
Padres Aggressive Base Running Turns Into Dodgers Advantage
Smith’s defense gave Snell time to adjust, and by the middle innings, the two-time Cy Young Award winner found his rhythm. He extended his streak to 13 consecutive scoreless innings since coming off the injured list, holding San Diego’s lineup in check despite their aggressive game plan.
“I was surprised at how aggressive they were being on the bases,” Snell admitted. “I mean, they know me pretty well, so it was good to get a lot of tells early on what they were doing and what they were trying to do. And then just learning from it. The takes that they were having, what they were swinging at, there was a lot that I was aware of. I was there for three years, so I know this team really well, but there was a lot of stuff I was learning throughout the game and then I kind of settled in once I understood what they were trying to do.”
Snell acknowledged the familiarity goes both ways. Padres manager Mike Shildt, general manager A.J. Preller, and especially pitching coach Ruben Niebla all know his tendencies as well as anyone.
“I think it’s respect,” Snell said. “Nobody knows me better than Ruben on what I can do pitching, outside of (Tampa Bay Rays pitching coach) Kyle Snyder. I think they’re pretty neck and neck. So that, Preller, Shildt, they know me so well. That’s what I thought. Maybe it’s different, but I think respect on both ends.”
Despite their insight, the Padres couldn’t cash in. Snell leaned on Smith’s arm and his own midgame adjustments to escape jams and preserve the shutout.
Afterward, Snell hinted he’s already thinking about the rematch at Petco Park next weekend. “There’s a lot I need to work on honestly. Which I’ll do that,” Snell said. “I’ll face them next and I’m aware they’re going to listen to the interview, so I won’t say too much. But there’s a lot that I’m looking forward to seeing and cleaning up.”
For Snell, the Padres’ bold approach may have backfired. Instead of exposing him, it gave him a preview of what to expect the next time they meet — and a chance to turn their strategy against them.