Braves right-hander Jacob Webb began his rehab assignment in the Gulf Coast League on Monday, pitching a scoreless inning. Webb is working his way back to the Braves bullpen after a right elbow impingement put him on the injured list earlier this month.
Webb has already been sidelined longer than the Braves initially expected, but it appears he won’t require a lengthy rehab assignment. He started for the GCL Braves on Monday, registering a strikeout and pair of grounders.
Manager Brian Snitker anticipates at least another two rehab appearances before Webb rejoins the big-league club.
“He had a good outing today,” Snitker said. “We’ll see how he responds and get him back out there a couple more times unless something forces him back here. We want to make sure he’s good for the haul too. It’s really encouraging where he’s been the last couple times he’s thrown.”
Webb, 25, has unexpectedly played an important part of the Braves’ success. He’s provided a 1.39 ERA in 39 games of relief, striking out 28 in 32-1/3 frames. The Braves are already searching for external bullpen help, but they’re fortunate that Webb’s return doesn’t seem so far away.
