Padres' Snell cleared to pitch after car struck by suspected drunk driver

A suspected drunk driver struck San Diego Padres left-hander Blake Snell's vehicle during a traffic stop on Thursday, authorities said, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune's Jeff Sanders and Alex Riggins.

The incident occurred while Snell was stopped for an alleged traffic violation.

The southpaw wasn't injured, although a passenger riding with him did complain of pain. The passenger was evaluated at the scene and avoided a visit to the hospital, a highway patrol person said.

Police did not release Snell's name, but the Padres confirmed the pitcher was involved in a minor crash during a traffic stop following Thursday's loss to the Washington Nationals in San Diego.

The Padres medical staff evaluated Snell and cleared him to start Friday's contest against the Nationals.

The 29-year-old is amid a fine campaign, authoring a 3.66 ERA and 12.0 K/9 in 15 starts.