Blake Snell returns in Dodgers loss to Atlanta Braves

If the game was viewed as an extension of spring training, which is basically what it was for Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night could be charitably classified as a success.After missing the first six weeks of the season, Snell was throwing hard in his season debut.His fastball touched 98.1 mph, and the average velocity of the pitch was 95.9 mph.So he was healthy, at least.Snell’s final line was ugly – five runs (four earned), six hits and two walks in three innings – but he wasn’t as bad as his numbers suggested.Snell struck out five batters, as the Braves whiffed on 16 of his pitches.The stuff was there.

What was missing was sharpness, and that was expected, considering he was initially scheduled to pitch in a minor league game on this day.A recent back injury to Tyler Glasnow forced Snell back into the rotation earlier than expected.Snell loaded the bases in the first inning before registering an out, but he managed to limit the damage to a solitary run by striking out two of the next three batters.The Braves added four runs in the second inning, two on a bases-loaded single by Ozzie Albies, who practically scraped a changeup off the ground, and two more more on a line-drive hit by Matt Olson, who pounced on an elevated slider.Snell departed the game after throwing 77 pitches in three innings.

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story But Snell looked to be a series of small adjustments from returning to his customary form, and the starter opposite of him showed how much of a difference a week could make for a pitcher in his position.Sidelined with an oblique strain until last week, Strider made his season debut in Colorado and was charged with three runs, four hits and five walks in 3 ⅓ innings.A former A...