Padres left-hander Blake Snell started Friday against the Washington Nationals in San Diego, less than 24 hours after his vehicle was struck by a suspected drunken driver during a traffic stop on Interstate 5.
According to a California Highway Patrol spokesperson, the incident occurred at 11 p.m. PT Thursday, about an hour after the Nationals lost 3-1 in the opener of the four-game series at Petco Park. The Padres’ medical team evaluated Snell on Friday and cleared him to play.
“Physically, he’s fine,” manager Bob Melvin said before Friday’s game. “But it can shake you up a little bit. But our guys checked him out today. And we talked to him. And he’s ready to play. So I think we’re lucky.”
Snell, 29, allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings Friday night and struck out seven in a 6-3 loss.
Snell’s vehicle was struck after a San Diego police officer pulled him over for an alleged traffic violation. The CHP did not explain why Snell’s vehicle was stopped.
Snell’s car had a passenger, who complained of pain but was evaluated and released at the scene without hospitalization.
The driver of the other vehicle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the CHP said.
