Collin McHugh, an important part of the Braves’ bullpen, tested positive for COVID-19 and is headed to the injured list. He is the club’s first known positive this season.
To fill his roster spot, the Braves brought back right-hander Jacob Webb, whom they acquired from the Diamondbacks on Tuesday for cash considerations. The Braves designated Webb, who had been with the club since 2019, for assignment in April.
This season, McHugh has a 3.42 ERA over 23-2/3 innings. He has not allowed a run over his past 5-2/3 innings.
“That’s why I hate it for him, because he’s on a nice little run here,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Throwing the ball really well.”
According to MLB’s health and safety protocols for 2022, those who test positive are required to be isolated for 10 days. The simplest way to return before the 10 days are up is through two negative PCR tests.
McHugh is vaccinated and has received a booster. Because of this, it is expected he is much more likely to test negative -- and, thus, return to action -- earlier than he would if he were not vaccinated.
Any close contacts who are vaccinated are not required to quarantine and can keep playing. Unvaccinated close contacts must quarantine for at least five days.
McHugh is a versatile righty. Not only can he pitch in high-leverage spots, but he can also go multiple innings. The Braves have used him in different ways.
He has a 2.30 ERA over 15-2/3 frames since the start of May.
“I think people don’t appreciate all the versatility that he can do,” A.J. Minter said. “The past four or five years, he’s been just consistent. It shows in his stats, and it’s continued again this year.”
Added Matt Olson: “He’s been doing it for a long time and been doing it a bunch of different ways. He’s able to spin the ball a lot better than most. He works hitters, he’s able to throw any pitch in any count, multiple innings, come in and get a big out. Very versatile and able to do whatever we need.”
Snitker said anyone with symptoms would report them to head athletic trainer George Poulis. Snitker said he doesn’t know when McHugh will return.
Webb allowed six runs over 5-1/3 innings in six games for Triple-A Reno, a Diamondbacks affiliate. He has not yet pitched in the majors this season. He has a minor-league option remaining, which provides the Braves with flexibility once McHugh returns.
Webb, who debuted with the Braves in 2019, pitched to a 2.47 ERA in 76-2/3 innings over three seasons with the Braves before they designated him for assignment to open a spot for Jackson Stephens.
The Braves’ bullpen has suffered a couple of blows this season. The unit lost Luke Jackson (Tommy John surgery) and Tyler Matzek (left shoulder inflammation).
Matzek is playing catch, but it could still be a while before he returns to the Braves. Jackson is out for the season.
Now the Braves will try to fill McHugh’s role while he rests.
“We knew that coming in, that we could use him in a lot of different situations,” Snitker said. “He’s been in the opener-type situations, in the middle, he can go multiple innings. He can do a lot for you, so I was excited when he signed him.”
Braves held a team meeting
It’s difficult to evaluate the efficacy of team meetings.
Do they mean anything? Do they work? There’s no exact science on this.
Snitker called one last week before Wednesday’s series finale in Arizona. The Braves then rattled off five consecutive wins. Snitker said the meeting was “nothing big.”
Asked what upset him most, Snitker said: “Just how we were playing. I just thought we were kind of unfocused there for a little bit. Played hard. Doing everything. All that kind of stuff. Train got off the tracks just a little bit.”
In what way?
“I don’t think it was one area,” he said. “I think it was probably our total game wasn’t what we are capable of doing.”
Matt Olson said Snitker was calm and collected during the meeting, which he called when the team arrived to the ballpark that day.
“I think it was just get everybody together,” Olson said. “Snit wanted to talk to us and let everybody know that we got a lot of season left. Hadn’t necessarily been playing our best ball as a whole. Kind of focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Duvall scratched
The Braves scratched Adam Duvall from Tuesday’s lineup with cramping in his left triceps. The club said he would be available off the bench.
He had been playing left field. Guillermo Heredia replaced him there.
Duvall homered in Saturday’s win over Colorado. Before that, he hadn’t homered since May 8.
In Sunday’s victory, he went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple.
D’Arnaud out of the lineup
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud was not in the starting lineup. He received treatment on his forearm, which swelled after he was hit by a pitch Sunday.
Snitker said d’Arnaud could be available off the bench.
