Brandon Webb’s Rehab Start Actually Favorable, Hunter Not So Much

Tuesday, Brandon Webb made a rehab start of three innings for the Texas Rangers’ Double-A affiliate, the Frisco RoughRiders. The former Cy Young victor in 2006 allowed just a single hit over those three scoreless innings as well as one walk.

His velocity in his pitches was up. Mike Maddux, the Rangers’ pitching coach, said that Webb’s velocity was up around 85 mph and had decent movement, which is honestly below what it should be but the fact of the matter is that it is improving.

As long as we have our movement we can compete. If he’s 85 to 87, he can be good. If he can be 84, he can be decent.

It wasn’t just Maddux that had favorable things to say about the start – Webb also felt that he had a decent outing. This is what he had to say via text:

I felt as normal as I ever have. My changeup was really good. I still think there is more in there for sure. It got better as the game went on.

Frisco’s offense definitely helped Webb and the other pitchers on the mound as Frisco beat Midland 10-4.

This Sunday, on five days of rest, Webb is on the schedule for four innings as the RoughRiders face Corpus Christi. Hopefully, Webb can build off of his previous start and continue to improve. If he doesn’t face any setbacks, we may see him towards the end of July, early August.

Tommy Hunter, who was given a spot in the starting rotation for the Rangers before injuring his groin, re-injured himself earlier this year in a rehab start. He came out for 3.2 innings for AAA Round Rock in which he allowed three runs on six hits including one walk while striking out three. His outing wasn’t as favorable as Webb’s and he definitely has room for improvement.