John

Webb

He was to have started one of Thursday’s doubleheader games against the Tigers. We will have to see if that is still the plan.

Now we know why Seth McClung was placed on the 60-day DL so early. Webb is a solid relief prospect, but he’s not going to be ready to pitch until June after breaking his leg in a home accident earlier this month. He probably won’t join the Rays until September.

Webb, who had a 4.50 ERA in 132 innings for Double-A West Tenn last season, is probably due to make the switch from starter to reliever in the minors this year. He’s not a bad prospect, but at the rate the Cubs are going, they might not ever have room for him.

The Devil Rays want to assess Webb’s state of mind after the passing of his brother before giving him this evening’s start.

He will start in one of the doubleheader games against the Tigers on Thursday.

Webb made one appearance for the Devil Rays last month. He’ll rejoin the pen.

The move opens up a 40-man roster spot for Jeff Niemann. Webb, who the Rays got on waivers from the Cubs last year, remains a solid relief prospect. There are certainly weaker players on 40-man rosters.

No team opted to take a chance on Webb after he was designated for assigment. He’ll be invited to spring training to compete for a bullpen spot.

Webb, a former Cubs prospects, served brief stints in the majors with the Rays the last two years. He went 10-6 with a 4.85 ERA as a member of Triple-A Durham’s rotation last season, but the pen is where he belongs. He still could prove to be semi-useful in relief one of these years.

Webb has a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings this fall. The 24-year-old Tommy John survivor had a 4.50 ERA in 132 innings for Double-A West Tenn last season. As long as he stays with the Cubs, there’s almost no chance that he’ll make it to majors as a starter. His sinker and slider might be useful in relief.