The first spring training game that got canceled because of the coronavirus was going to be a big one for Logan Webb. The young right-hander was supposed to throw five innings, continuing his push for the final rotation spot.
Instead, Webb, who moved to Arizona in the offseason to prepare for a spring competition, is back home in the Sacramento area, sheltering in place with his family and trying to find ways to pass the time. Recently, that included growing his first mustache, much to the disappointment of his fianceé.
"She hates it," he said on this week's Giants Insider Podcast. "It's not a very good look, but you know, I thought I would give it a try."
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE The 23-year-old has an unexpected delay for what should have been his breakthrough season, and he'll be in an interesting spot when the game resumes. Webb's biggest hurdle in his push for a rotation spot was the fact that he was going to be under an innings limit, but a shortened season takes that out of play.
Listen and subscribe to the Giants Insider Podcast:
If the Giants are able to resume this summer, there's no reason not to throw Webb out there with the four veteran starters, and he's preparing for any possibility. He logs his daily workouts on an app recommended by the coaches and is in regular contact with a staff that was overhauling his arsenal a bit. Pitching coach Brian Bannister introduced a new cutter that would fit Webb's arm path, and he was starting to feel comfortable with it as camp ended.
Webb continues to work on new grips and pitches while playing catch with Nick Mears, a Pirates minor leaguer who also went to Rocklin High School. He is staying in shape for what he hopes is his first Opening Day on a big-league field.
San Francisco Giants
Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
"We'd rather be playing, wherever that may be, but I do think the safety is the most important thing and staying home, because this thing is scary," Webb said. "Obviously it sucks, but I'm trying to stay positive. Being with family helps a lot."
That family is full of Raiders fans, and Webb lit up as he talked of an event on the calendar that will help him get through another week without baseball. He said he'll stick with the Raiders even after they land in Las Vegas, and he's anxious to see what they do with two first-round picks next week.
[RELATED: How Giants decide on bobblehead giveaways]
"I'm just more excited to have something live. I'm always pretty excited to watch the draft and see what the Raiders do," he said. "Sometimes it breaks your heart and sometimes it's happy. I'm not an expert or anything. I definitely do think they're going to go for a wide receiver. I don't know who or when, but wide receiver and then a lot of defense."
On the podcast, Webb discussed his favorite moments from his rookie year, the debut he can barely remember, what he learned from Stephen Vogt, how he thought he was faring in the camp competition, and much more.