San Diego Padres Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell takes blame for Padres slow start after back-to-back poor performances

In 2018, lefty Blake Snell was known as one of the league's elite starting pitchers. He finished the season with an MLB-leading 21 wins and an outstanding 1.89 ERA on the way to his first ever Cy Young Award and All-Star Game selection.

Unfortunately, 2023 has not been kind to the 30-year-old. Snell started the year with a 0-1 record and an ERA that has ballooned to 7.88 after giving up four more runs on Thursday. After completing just eight innings in his first two starts, he has conceded seven runs, 12 hits and five walks.

Asked about the back-to-back poor outings, Snell didn't shy away from the blame.

"I’m my worst enemy right now," said Snell

Per a recent article in Sports Illustrated, Snell put his hand up and admitted he needs to be better.

"I'll figure it out. Got the Mets next. Got to be in the zone and dominate, get back to myself," added Snell

The San Diego Padres have invested heavily in pitching. Both Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish recently signed lucrative long-term extensions. Snell, along with Nick Martinez and Michael Wacha round out one of the league's best rotations.

"Is this the year the @Padres win the NL West? @JakePeavy_22 breaks down how the two-headed monster of Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove will propel San Diego to the top of the standings." - MLB Network

Joe Mugrove is yet to start an MLB game due to a fractured toe. Yu Darvish is yet to record his first win of the season. There will be a great deal of pressure on Snell to find his footing quickly.

San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell gave up 4 runs and 6 hits in a his last start

Blake Snell hands the ball to manager Bob Melvin as he leaves the game during the fourth inning at Petco Park

The were high expectations for Blake Snell when the club brought him over from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Padres gave up several top prospects, including Luis Patino, Blake Hunt and Cole Wilcox in the trade. Snell, however, has failed to find the Cy-Young level of form he had in 2018.

"Blake Snell's 3Ks in the 3rd. 7Ks thru 3." - Rob Friedman

Snell gave up four runs off six hits and was pulled after just 3.2 innings versus the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. His opening day performance verses the Colorado Rockies wasn't much better. He allowed three runs, six hits and one walk before he was pulled after 4.1 innings.

There are high expectations for the San Diego Padres after heavy investment from the owners. The club are off to a mediocre 4-4 record. Snell, along with the rest of the rotation, will need to improve if this team has any hope of a playoff push.