Expectations were high at the start of 2017 for Blake Snell as he tried to work his way out of the farm system and into the Rays rotation. But through his first eight starts last year, Snell struggled with his command, walking 25 batters in just 42 innings while posting a 4.71 ERA.
It was not the start the Rays were hoping for and they sent Snell down to triple-A Durham to work through his issues.
Snell was recalled for a start on June 28th against the Pirates and while he struggled in that game, he was terrific for the final three months of the season.