Brandon

Webb

Webb wanted to pitch again before Wednesday, but due to scheduling, and Randy Johnson pitching Tuesday he will not be back on the mound any sooner than that.

Webb could be forced into starting if Miguel Batista, Friday’s scheduled starter, is suspended as expected for his role in a fight with Tino Martinez this weekend. Avoid using Webb, who had a 6.00 ERA at Triple-A Tucson.

Webb threw yesterday from 80 feet, and was rubbing his elbow afterwards. He will play catch today, and the Diamondbacks will decide what to do pending the results.

Webb said the MRI revealed minor swelling around a nerve in his right elbow, but the tendons and muscles appeared healthy with no evidence of structural or ligament damage. Webb has received a change in medication and will resume throwing soon. He’s eligible to come off the DL June 7.

Webb is eligible to be activated June 7.

Miguel Batista is penciled in to start tomorrow as long as he isn’t suspended. If Randy Johnson will be ready to pitch Sunday, Webb will probably be sent down following his start Saturday.

The praises keep pouring in about Webb’s sinker, which some have compared to trying to hit a shot put. On Sunday, Webb allowed three runs on eight hits with six strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings to pick up his second victory. We doubt Gonzo’s prediction will come true, but don’t be afraid to use Webb, who should have a rotation spot for the remainder of the season.

Webb will make $335,000 this year, $715,000 in 2005 and $2 million in 2006. In the unlikely event Webb spends some more time in the minors and is not eligible for arbitration in 2006, his salary would be $1 million. The 2007 option is for at least $3 million (at least $1.7 million if Webb is not arbitration-eligible in 2006) with a $250,000 buyout. If Webb pitches 450 innings total in 2004-05 and 220 innings in 2006, he can collect $8.65 million in salary over four years.

Webb might be held out of his next start.

Webb doesn’t have much of a history of blisters, so his current problem isn’t something to worry about. He said the blister was the result of him cutting his nail too short.