With the Braves’ bullpen searching for answers, rookie Jacob Webb may get more opportunities.
The righthander has appeared in five games since being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett and has not allowed a run in three total innings. The only hit he gave up came in his major league debut against Arizona on April 16, which permitted two inherited runners to score.
Since his debut, Webb has walked one and struck out three. He earned his first win on Sunday when he struck out the only batter he faced in the eighth inning and the Braves rallied to beat Colorado.
“I really like what I’ve seen in him,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I’d like to ease him in, but it’s not the perfect spot all the time. We talk about things in here at 3:30 (p.m.) and it’s really easy. You come out here five hours later and it’s a little bit different.”
Webb, 25, was the team’s 18th-round draft pick in 2014. After sitting out the 2015 season with Tommy John surgery, Webb has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen. Snitker became aware of Webb a year ago and has monitored his progress.
“I remember calling Double-A last year and I was anxious in spring training to see who he was,” Snitker said. “He’s a guy we’re going to have to lean on.”
Webb had 18 saves last season in 31 games between Double-A Mississippi and Gwinnett, the most compiled by any Atlanta minor leaguer.
“I feel good about him,” Snitker said. “His mound presence, the way he goes about it, his ability to throw strikes.”
Webb’s importance increased Monday when right-hander Chad Sobotka was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left abdominal strain. The Braves recalled lefty Grant Dayton from Gwinnett, where he posted a 1.69 ERA.
The Camargo experiment
Johan Camargo was not in the lineup on Monday after playing the previous four games at four different positions. Snitker was pleased with how Camargo adapted defensively to the different spots.
“He seemed to handle it pretty good,” Snitker said. “As he does more of it, it becomes the normal thing. So far he’s done a really good job.”
Camargo was 5-for-17 (.294) with a triple and scored two runs over those four games.
San Diego rookie Tatis sidelined
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego’s hot-shot rookie shortstop, did not play on Monday and could miss more time. San Diego manager Andy Green said the club hasn’t decided what to do about Tatis, who pulled his hamstring on Sunday while making an awkward stretch to receive a toss on a force play. Tatis was able to get up and walk off the field on his own power.
Tatis had a career-high three hits against the Nationals before his injury. He is batting .300 and leads the club in hits (30) and stolen bases (six).
“He’s on the active roster,” Green said. “We prefer not to play him. We’re not ready to make a final determination what it will be for the long run.”
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