Blake Snell listed as probable starter vs. Rays on Sunday

Former Rays star potentially making his first return to Tropicana Field

Former Rays ace and two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell has been listed as the probable pitcher on Sunday against the Rays in Tropicana Field. Should he take the mound, it would mark his first start in Tropicana field since being traded to the Padres in 2020.

He deserves a hero’s welcome.

Snell dazzled as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays for five seasons, notching 42 wins with the ballclub at a 3.24 ERA in that span, winning an AL Cy Young in 2018.

Following a World Series against the Dodgers in which Snell was pulled (allegedly) too soon in a ‘win or go home’ game, Snell was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Luis Patino, Francisco Mejia, Cole Wilcox, and Blake Hunt. (Editor’s note: woof.)

After signing late in the off-season, Snell has started just one game this season, giving up three earned runs in three innings pitched while striking out five.

While his Giants debut was less than ideal, Snell is coming off of a 2023 NL Cy Young Award winning season with the Padres last year where he boasted a 2.25 ERA.

Also in that 2023 season, Snell logged his only current start against the Rays, on June 17th in San Diego. Snell dominated in that performance against Tampa Bay, going six innings allowing no runs, two hits, and striking out 12 batters.

Although public opinion on the trade that sent Snell away is not favorable for Rays fans, there certainly seems to be excitement for his return, and an opportunity to show the former Tampa Bay star some love in his return to Tropicana Field.

The pitcher Snell is probable to face off against on Sunday should he take the mound is Rays top starter Zack Eflin, who has thus far struggled in the early parts of the 2024 season.

First pitch on Sunday is set for 1:40 PM.