It’s not all bad news on the Braves injury front. After it was reported yesterday that Cole Hamels will not be ready for Opening Day and is hopeful for a late April return, Brian Snitker had some positive information to relay in regards to one of last year’s unsung heroes — Jacob Webb.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman tweeted this Thursday afternoon:
Jacob Webb is throwing without any restrictions. Snit said, "I saw him throw a bullpen the other day. He looks good. You wouldn't know we shut him down at the end of the year. He's really, really encouraging right now."
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 13, 2020
Webb made his major league debut last season, more out of desperation than anything, but he quickly proved he was ready, and the Braves began using him more and more in high leverage situations. It didn’t take long for him to become one of the primary set-up men, and he even had his first two career saves. Overall, Webb posted a minuscule 1.39 ERA is 36 appearances (32.1 innings) before his season came to a screeching halt.
What originally looked like a precaution turned into a season-ending injury for Webb. He went on the IL in early July and was officially transferred to the 60-day IL in late August with an elbow impingement, ending his rookie campaign. However, sometimes these injuries can take years to recover, so it’s fantastic to hear he’s already throwing without any restrictions.
Now, there’s no way the type of success he experienced as a rookie is sustainable, which can be seen by his 4.30 FIP, but with the way Alex Anthopoulos addressed the bullpen this winter, anything he gives them this season will be icing on the cake.
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