SF Giants starter deemed "Cy Yuk" of the first half after injury-riddled season

The SF Giants knew they were taking a chance signing Blake Snell as late as they did this offseason. He has struggled, which is why it is no surprise that The Athletic has deemed him the "Cy Yuk" of the first half for the National League.

SF Giants starter deemed "Cy Yuk" of the first half after injury-riddled season

The sports website The Athletic has submitted their mid-season awards and it is very understandable why they gave the "Cy Yuk" award to Snell (subscription required). This award is meant to identify the pitcher that has performed the worst given expectations of them coming into the year.

After Blake Snell took home the Cy Young last season with the Padres, he has had a complete 180 reversal of fortunes this year with the Giants.

Early struggles were to be expected since he was signed so late and did not have a full Spring Training to get ready. He has also historically gotten off the slow starts in the regular season so it seemed reasonable to assume it would take some time for him to settle in.

Boy, was that true?

Of course, injuries played a big part in Snell's first-half struggles. His adductor strain followed by a groin injury both came at times when it appeared he was getting his rhythm back on the mound. They really occured at the worst time, right when it seemed like he was turning a corner.

Thankfully, in his most recent start he looked more like the Blake Snell of old. Against the Blue Jays on Tuesday he pitched 5 innings (a first this season) and only allowed 1 hit, as well as 3 walks, and no runs in his efforts. It was a pretty classic Snell performance.

Will he be able to replicate that consistently in the second half? Who knows?

But, if he can remain healthy it would make sense for him to build off this outing. He will pitch later today against the Twins which will give him an opportunity to go out and show that Tuesday's performance was not a one-off.

The Giants are also hopeful they can get contributions from Alex Cobb and Robbie Ray in the rotation who are set to come back in the second half at some point.

While the Snell contract has looked like a disaster thus far, if he can turn things around in the second half and help lead the Giants back to the postseason then his contract will have been worth it.