Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Blake Snell is going to start in the Dodger Stadium opener on Thursday, when the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a series with the Detroit Tigers.
He’s going to be opposed by Tigers ace Tarik Skubal for the 4:10 p.m. PT start.
Snell receiving the nod for domestic Opening Day long appeared likely and was expected, but not made official until Roberts’ announcement before the exhibition Freeway Series began. Tyler Glasnow seemingly was the other candidate considered.
MLB did not include the Dodgers when it announced the majority of Opening Day pitching matchups. The Cleveland Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs were also omitted from the league’s announcement of starters.
Snell only pitched in two Cactus League games but also started a ‘B’ game on a backfield at Camelback Ranch and in an exhibition against the Hanshin Tigers.
As it became evident the Dodgers would have Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki start in the Tokyo Series, Snell began to shift his focus to the team’s first home game of the season.
Snell previously started on Opening Day for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019 and with the San Diego Padres in 2023. The left-hander was tabbed with a loss in both outings and surrendered at least three runs each time.
Snell is entering the first season of a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers. His deal included a $52 million signing bonus and $66 million in deferred salary.
The 32-year-old is 1-0 with a 2.03 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in seven career starts at Dodger Stadium.
Blake Snell embracing Dodgers pressure
The Dodgers face World Series expectations every season but especially so in 2025 after upgrading their roster in effort to repeat as champions. That’s a factor that motivates Snell rather than cause any concern.
“Being in L.A., the pressure is always on. I like that,” he said during his introductory press conference.
“Living here is pretty amazing with the opportunities. Being able to pitch in a packed stadium, get to make moments for people, this is where you want to play. I don’t think there’s a better situation you could be in than right here.
“And knowing Andrew as well as I know him, that played a big part. It all started because he believed in me, so I couldn’t see a better reason not to come here.
“The goal is to end it here, so we’ll see how long I can push my career for and see how many World Series we can win.”
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