Jun 19, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell (4) reacts after a play during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Last season’s AL Cy Young winner, Blake Snell of the Tampa Bay Rays, has not been the same pitcher thus far this year.
There might be a good reason for this. According to Josh Tolentino of The Athletic, Snell is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow.
The expectation is that the 26-year-old Snell will be able to return before the end of the regular season. According to Tolentino, the pitcher is expected to miss four weeks.
Snell posted a 21-5 record with a 1.89 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 31 starts last season. He was easily voted as the AL Cy Young winner. Thus far this season, Snell has put up a 4.28/1.25 split.
The hope in Tampa is that Snell returns at 100 percent and helps lead the team to a playoff spot. Time will tell on that front.