The Giants added some depth to their bullpen options for the 2017 season on Tuesday, signing former Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Ryan Webb to a minor-league deal, as first reported by Baseball America’s Matt Eddy.
Webb, 31, was released by the Brewers at the end of spring training, and is coming off the worst year of his professional career in 2016 with the Rays, where he posted a 5.19 ERA in just 18 appearances. Before that, Webb had only once finished a season with an ERA above 4, and overall has been a solid reliever, posting a career 3.36 ERA in eight seasons with the Padres, Marlins, Orioles and Indians.
Webb is not an overpowering arm, but is known for his control, issuing just 22 non-intentional walks in 117 1/3 innings of work over the past three seasons.
Webb will begin his season with Triple-A Sacramento, but is a good option for the Giants to have in their back pocket, especially considering they’ve already lost Will Smith for the season with Tommy John surgery. There remain a number of question marks surrounding the young pitchers currently in the Giants’ bullpen, and Webb will join the likes of Albert Suarez, Dan Slania and Chase Johnson as four pitchers who will be the first to get the call if the club needs reinforcements.