With the San Francisco Giants eliminated from postseason contention, management may shelf Logan Webb to prioritize his long-term health following a rollercoaster campaign.
Logan Webb has served as the San Francisco Giants’ ace for almost six years, but his recent inconsistency has prompted the organization to consider ending his season early.
Giants manager Tony Vitello told reporters, including Justice delos Santos from the Mercury News, that shutting down Webb has become a topic of discussion. Vitello plans to speak with Webb before making his final decision.
An inconsistent season
Webb spent three weeks out with right knee bursitis in May but has otherwise avoided the Injured List during the 2026 season.
The right-hander struggled early, producing a 5.06 ERA in 48 innings over eight starts through May 5.
After returning on May 29, Webb recorded a 2.75 ERA in 52.1 innings across eight starts before the All-Star Break. That improvement earned him a place on the National League All-Star team for the third consecutive season.
Webb has continued alternating between strong and poor outings. He allowed six earned runs on eight hits (one home run) with seven strikeouts and a walk in five innings in a 6-4 home loss against the San Diego Padres on Sunday.
That performance raised his ERA to 4.31 in 160.2 innings over 27 starts, representing his worst mark during a full season.
The 29-year-old has ranked among MLB’s most durable pitchers since establishing himself in 2021. Including Sunday, Webb has made 185 starts since 2021, third among qualified starters behind Dylan Cease with 190 and Kevin Gausman with 188.
His absence due to right knee bursitis was his first Injured List stint since 2021. Webb avoided the IL throughout the 2022-25 seasons.
Webb has pitched 160.2 innings this year, well below the career-high 216 innings he completed in 2023. Fatigue could nevertheless explain his recent inconsistency and indicate that he needs rest before the offseason.
According to Statcast, Webb’s velocity was not noticeably lower Sunday. The Giants also have not identified a specific injury. Additional information should emerge in the coming days after Webb and Vitello speak.
San Francisco would have little to lose by ending his season a couple of weeks early. The Giants have officially been eliminated from postseason contention and are almost certain to finish with more than 90 losses.
What’s the right call?
Webb could make two more starts if he remains active. However, beginning his offseason early could help him return at full strength in 2027 instead of completing a lost season.
The Giants recently made that decision with Rafael Devers, placing the first baseman on the 60-day Injured List with a core muscle injury that appears likely to require surgery.
Webb’s durability comes from preparation, toughness and a willingness to handle a demanding workload. He consistently accepts the responsibility attached to leading a rotation and competes deep into seasons.
His success also depends on command, movement and execution rather than simply overpowering hitters. Webb can create uncomfortable contact, control at-bats and remain composed when traffic develops on the bases.
Rest would not diminish Webb’s standing as the Giants’ ace. It could preserve the dependable pitcher they need healthy, refreshed and ready to lead their rotation in 2027.
