The San Francisco Giants are facing another tough break in what's already been a challenging season. Sitting tied for the worst record in the National League, they'll now have to navigate the next few weeks without their ace, Logan Webb, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right knee bursitis.
The move is retroactive to May 6, following Webb's start against the San Diego Padres. In that outing, he lasted just four innings, allowing six runs and seven hits in a 10-5 loss. After the game, Webb acknowledged the issue but didn't use it as a crutch. "I've dealt with it for a little while, but it's still no excuse," he told MLB.com's Henry Schulman.
Looking at his starts this season, the knee has clearly been bothering him longer than he let on. Webb has allowed four or more runs in three of his eight starts—a sign that something wasn't right for the typically reliable right-hander.
What makes this injury especially notable is the streak it ends. Webb has made 156 consecutive starts for the Giants, a run dating back to 2021. He's been a model of durability, making 32 or more starts in each of the past four seasons. That kind of consistency is rare in today's game, and it's a big reason why he's been the anchor of San Francisco's rotation.
Giants manager Tony Vitello explained that the decision to put Webb on the IL was made with the bigger picture in mind. "Webby, when he's out of uniform, he's a little more rational," Vitello told reporters. "You know how competitive he is. Better to keep the long run in mind or the runway of the season that's still left over." The plan is to give Webb four or five days off beyond his usual turn in the rotation, allowing him to rest and recover without trying to push through the pain.
Last season was the best of Webb's career, as he posted a 3.22 ERA over 34 starts, throwing 207 innings with 207 strikeouts. For Giants fans and fantasy owners alike, this is a tough pill to swallow, but the hope is that a short break now will keep him strong for the long haul.