Wilson recalled for start; Webb optioned
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ATLANTA -- Following Friday’s record-setting 20-1 victory, manager Brian Snitker announced that Bryse Wilson would be recalled to make his fifth start of the season Saturday against the Pirates at Truist Park. Wilson’s only previous start against Pittsburgh was in 2018 when he tossed five scoreless innings in his MLB debut.
“Bryse is a mature kid,” said Snitker. “He gets it. Eventually he’s gonna settle in and be a part [of the Major League club]. He’s gonna have a nice big league career. I'm a big fan of Bryse Wilson. I just love the competitiveness in him, what he brings. He never offers any excuse. He's a standup guy, and I gotta say I’m a big fan of his.”
Wilson struggled to start the season, posting a 1-2 record and a 5.50 ERA over 18 innings.
The Braves optioned reliever Jacob Webb to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday as well.
On Monday night, Webb was shaken after hitting Mets outfield Kevin Pillar in the face with a 95 mph fastball. Pillar suffered several nasal fractures and stated that it was difficult for him to see and breathe out of his nose due to the heavy swelling around his eyes. Pillar underwent a procedure Friday to repair his nose and posted to Instagram with the caption “Be back soon!” to ease the concerns of Mets fans everywhere.
Webb appeared rattled after the event and has yet to settle down, allowing five hits and one walk in 1 1/3 innings since the incident. Webb has struggled out of the bullpen this season with a 5.63 ERA and 17 strikeouts through 16 innings.
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Snitker said he hopes the time in Triple-A will be helpful for Webb.
“I think it's gonna be good for Jacob to go down and pitch a little bit,” Snitker said.
Snitker noted that he was impressed with Webb’s curveball as he closed out Friday’s blowout win against Pittsburgh, allowing two hits and one run. Snitker did not specifically say the Pillar incident was the reason the Braves optioned Webb, but it will surely allow the righty to pitch in a lower-stakes environment.
“I just think it'd be a good opportunity for him maybe to go down, throw some multiple innings down there so he can throw all of his pitches,” Snitker said.