Brandon Webb hasn’t pitched in a big-league game since Opening Day of 2009, yet the former Cy Young winner still isn’t certain he’ll be recovered enough from shoulder surgery to begin the season in the Rangers’ rotation.
Asked if he’ll be ready for Opening Day, Webb told Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com:
I set timetables last year and it was a little bit unrealistic. I sure hope I’m going to be ready full go. To be there Opening Day, that’s my goal for sure. That’s very reachable, but I have to see how things go.
And here’s what general manager Jon Daniels had to say about Webb’s timetable:
We have same goal of Brandon pitching meaningful innings. We’d love for him to be ready by Opening Day, but we’re going to keep our eye on the big picture and on what’s best for him.
Webb’s uncertain status is why his one-year deal with the Rangers is worth “only” $3 million in guaranteed money after he earned $15 million in the past two seasons. He can make an additional $5 million in incentives.
