Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher, has dominated much of the league this season. However, when it comes to facing Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees slugger, his mentality changes completely. Snell himself admitted that he adopts a different plan against the New York slugger: “Don’t swing at him,” is the phrase he usually repeats to himself every time they face each other.
An unusual strategy
Snell explained that he rarely throws strikes against Judge, aware that a single swing could change the course of the game. “I either strike him out or walk him,” the left-handed pitcher confessed. The respect for the Yankees captain’s power forces him to reduce risks, even if it means giving up walks. His tactics contrast with the aggressiveness he usually shows against other hitters in the league.
With his 6-foot-7 frame, Judge’s reach and bat speed make him a permanent threat. Snell even joked that if Judge makes solid contact, the ball could come back harder than it came out of his arm. That mix of power and discipline has cemented him as one of the most feared hitters in baseball today.
A piece of advice from afar
What is curious is that Snell said he has been giving Judge the same advice since before the two met in the majors. Although he trusts his talent to dominate other members of the Yankees lineup, with Judge he stands firm in not giving him opportunities to decide a game. That approach explains why the outfielder rarely finds comfortable pitches against the lefty.
For Dodgers fans, this strategic clash reflects the preparation required to face elite hitters. Both the Yankees and the Angels are looking to go deep into the postseason, and every at-bat between Snell and Judge could be decisive. If fate offers a rematch in the World Series, this matchup promises to be one of the most attractive in baseball.
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