Snell wishes he signed sooner: 'You have to go to spring training'
San Francisco Giants left-hander Blake Snell is off to a rough start, and the two-time Cy Young winner said signing late and not attending spring training have contributed to his struggles.
"Big-league spring training. You need it," Snell said after allowing four runs on five hits in four innings during Monday's 8-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to KNBR.
The Giants signed the 31-year-old to a two-year, $62-million contract on March 18, giving him no opportunity to participate in spring training. The southpaw tossed nine minor-league innings before debuting for San Francisco against the Washington Nationals on April 8.
It's been a rough go for the hurler since: He's posted a 10.42 ERA in five outings while averaging about four innings per start.
"I thought I did everything I could to be ready," Snell said. "You have to go to spring training. For me, I hope teams see that."
Snell was one of the more prominent names to sign late this past offseason, along with fellow starters Michael Lorenzen and Jordan Montgomery. Lorenzen was pitching well for the Texas Rangers before leaving a game on Saturday with a trainer due to discomfort. Montgomery, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 29, owns his highest ERA and WHIP in four years.
"I don't know what Montgomery is doing, but I bet it's tough for him," Snell said. "It's not easy. I didn't face a big-league hitter until I pitched my first game in the big leagues this year and it's tough.
"You just have nothing to go off of. You're kind of like 'Let's see what we got.' I faced 18-year-olds. It's all excuses, but it's the truth."