Brandon Webb and the Diamondbacks finally have something to look forward to.
Webb is expected to make a September return and pitch for the bullpen.
Brandon Webb hasn’t pitched since April of 2009. Since then, he has been making a push to return from shoulder surgery performed in October of last year.
On Saturday, the 2006 NL Cy Young award winner was ecstatic after throwing a simulated game that “went so well.”
“I’m on cloud nine right now. It feels great. It doesn’t take much to get you back on the positive side and look forward and see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Webb’s simulation was 52 pitches, and afterwards left him visibly excited. D-backs pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre explained his pitches as “filthy.”
“Today, for me, was a huge breakthrough and a movement forward. Realistically, looking at what we have left in the season, the probability of him pitching now is high,” Stottlemyre said.
Webb was clocked in at 80 MPH, which is nothing great compared to when he is 100 percent. The D-backs are waiting until Webb can reach the mid-80s. It is not known how soon Webb will reach that velocity, but timing is a major factor in his return.
“If he can add a couple miles per hour more on his next statement and…if he can go get one more gear and sustain that and then fine-tune and harness his other stuff, then you could say…two or three of these more and he has a chance of getting out there,” Stottlemyre said.
Look for Webb to make a September return, barring any setbacks. We will see if Webb can return to his elite pitching status, being the former Cy Young award winner in 2006.
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