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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell said that his best is yet to come during the postseason, despite his dominance thus far through three October outings.
Manager Dave Roberts entrusted Snell with the ball in the first game of the World Series, a tone-setting game for the team's hopes of defending its 2024 title.
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Responds to ‘Villain’ Narrative After ‘Let’s Ruin Baseball’ Comments
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In 21 innings pitched this postseason heading into Game 1 of the World Series, Snell has a 0.86 ERA with 28 strikeouts and five walks. He has allowed only two runs in his current run and will look to keep rolling on Friday.
What makes this postseason different from Snell is that his stuff remains elite, but his command is much better, leading to fewer baserunners and more efficient innings.
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His lower pitch counts have allowed him to go later into games, saving the Dodgers' bullpen from overexposure and fatigue.
Los Angeles' bullpen is the team's biggest weakness, and Snell is helping to cover it up by giving the Dodgers longer starts.
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Despite pitching so well, Snell said in the lead-up to his World Series start that there is another gear for him to unlock.
“It’s feeling good, but I can get better,” Snell said on Thursday. “I know I can. It’s just learning, reading swings, seeing what they want to do, seeing if they’re going to be aggressive or patient.
“But I really believe I’m just getting better every start. I’m learning, I’m locked in, and I’m chasing the best version of me.”
Over the winter, Snell signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers. He was one of many free agents signed in the Dodgers' quest to build a World Series dynasty.
Snell will have to continue his heroics if the Dodgers want to beat Toronto, which has a potent offense that can expose the bullpen's weaknesses. They blew multiple games for the Dodgers this season, but have yet to cost them in the playoffs.
Los Angeles would rather not find out if they are still unreliable and volatile.
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