Jacob Webb’s return delayed by elbow tightness

In a notable development a week before the trade deadline, Jacob Webb, the Braves’ breakout rookie righty, won’t return as soon as the team hoped.

Webb was placed on the 10-day injured list last week with a right elbow impingement. His elbow is still feeling tight, which will delay his return.

"It's still a little tight, so we'll take it day-to-day with him," manager Brian Snitker said before Wednesday's game against the Royals at SunTrust Park. "Things are starting to get stretched out a little bit. It might be a little longer than originally hoped."

Any extra time missed would further hurt the Braves, who’ve come to rely on Webb as a reliable piece of the bullpen. The 25-year-old has a 1.39 ERA in 39 appearances, striking out 28 in 32-1/3 innings.

Snitker didn’t specify how lengthy the delay could be, and it does not appear to be seriously concerning, but any reason for pause moving forward could add to the urgency of addressing the bullpen before the trade deadline July 31.

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