Atlanta Braves bring back Webb, place McHugh on IL

The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday afternoon that they acquired pitcher Jacob Webb from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations, while placing key bullpen member Collin McHugh on the injured list.

So far, Webb has had a lackluster 2022, with an inflated 10.13 ERA as a part of the Reno Aces, the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A club.

Along with his double-digit ERA playing Triple-A ball, he’s pitched just five and a third innings in 2022, allowing a .348 opponent batting average while picking up three walks on seven strikeouts.

After starting out the season season at spring training, Webb was assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. Webb was designated for assignment by the Braves on April 12, being claimed off waivers by the Diamondbacks exactly a week later.

In 2021 with the Atlanta Braves, Webb pitched 34 1/3 innings, posting a 4.19 ERA while allowing 14 walks and striking out 33.

With the move, the Braves placed Collin McHugh on the injured list.

Atlanta didn’t list any details for his placement on the injured list. However, David O’Brien, senior writer for The Athletic, reported that there wasn’t an injury listed for McHugh, but that it could be COVID-19.

With McHugh’s reported vaccination status, he’ll be able to return whenever tests negative and feels fit to play.

McHugh has been a huge catalyst for the Braves’ bullpen recently, with just a 1.35 ERA in 11 appearances and 13 1/3 innings pitched since May 8, allowing just a .178 opponent batting average.

The former Tampa Bay Ray has been a solid contributor for the strong Atlanta Braves bullpen, ranking in at least the 70th percentile of baseball in strikeout percentage and whiff percentage, while ranking in at least the 80th in walk percentage in walk percentage and chase rate.

McHugh’s loss will be huge for the Atlanta Braves bullpen, who rank sixth in ERA and second in total stikeouts.