Make it make sense for us. Why is Jacob Webb still collecting a major league paycheck from the Texas Rangers? In the 2-1 win against the woeful Colorado Rockies on Monday, we were again reminded that whenever Bochy decides to go to the right-hander in the bullpen, things get worse before they get better - and sometimes they only get worse.
After closer Luke Jackson was forced to exit after being hit on the wrist by a screaming line drive off the bat of Ryan McMahon in the bottom of the ninth, Webb got the emergency call to come in and try and close it out against a team that has won exactly 2 road games this year.
This Texas Rangers player probably needs to just get off the roster
If you just look at the box score, it will show that Webb was credited with his first save of the season, but watching the game, it was further evidence that the Rangers need a better right-handed option on the roster to go with Shawn Armstrong and
With one out and McMahon on first, Webb came in and proceeded to give up a single to right and then a walk on four pitches. That loaded the bases and put the winning run on second. Now, as is usually the case with Webb this year, he was missing his spots and fans were white-knuckling it with bags full and only one out.
If the Rangers were going to give up the lead in the top of the ninth and end up losing to the 7-33 Rockies, it would be a terrible way to start the series. Tyler Mahle had thrown 6.1 innings of beautiful baseball, allowing a single run on just 4 hits. The team really needed the win.
Fortunately for Webb and the Rangers, he was able to get a hard ground ball to third and Josh Jung turned an unassisted double-play to retire the side and salvage the win. But not before Webb nearly blew it.
Now, with Jackson possibly missing time, the team is still searching for a consistent closing option. It shouldn't be Jacob Webb, with his mediocre fastball, slider package. He doesn't have a strikeout pitch and with an ERA of 4.46, there has to be a better option to go with fellow right-handers Chris Martin, Shawn Armstrong, and Caleb Boushley.
Now, without Jackson for at least a few games, the organization needs to fortify the ranks in the bullpen by swapping out Webb for more effective righty.