The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated left-hander Blake Snell as their domestic Opening Day starter, setting the stage for a compelling pitching duel against the Detroit Tigers’ AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal. Manager Dave Roberts has also announced that Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki will start Games 2 and 3 of the series, respectively.
Snell’s highly anticipated debut for the Dodgers follows his blockbuster signing, a five-year, $182 million contract, which solidified the team’s already impressive offseason.
Snell’s preparation for the regular season has been a blend of Cactus League starts, backfield work at Camelback Ranch, and a notable exhibition appearance against the Hanshin Tigers in Tokyo. During the March 15th game at the Tokyo Dome, Snell displayed his strikeout prowess, fanning seven of the 18 batters he faced and retiring his initial nine hitters. However, he also experienced a challenging fourth inning, conceding three runs. Snell has also confirmed that he pitched a simulated game this past Saturday to maintain his pitching schedule.
Following Snell’s domestic Opening Day start, the Dodgers will feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in the subsequent games. Both pitchers started the first two games in Tokyo, and they will now take the mound on Friday and Saturday, respectively. After a day off on Sunday, March 30th, Tyler Glasnow and Dustin May are scheduled to start the first two games against the Atlanta Braves on April 1st and 2nd.
Los Angeles Dodgers Name Blake Snell Game 1 Starter In Detroit Home Series
The two-time Cy Young Award winner’s arrival has generated considerable excitement, with President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman expressing optimism about his potential in Los Angeles.
“With a guy that’s enjoyed that much success, usually in major league free agency, you’re buying the back-side of a guy’s career, the accomplishments that they have had,” Friedman said. “With Blake, one thing that’s really exciting for us is, for as much success as he’s had, we feel like there’s more in there and a lot of upside beyond what he’s done to this point, and the impact that can have on us and our quest to win a World Series this year, and as many years as we can see out.” Friedman’s comments highlight the Dodgers’ belief that Snell’s best years are still ahead, and that he will be a key contributor to their championship aspirations.