SF Giants’ Webb, Birdsong throw first live bullpens of camp
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — If the stars align, Logan Webb will have an opportunity to pitch against Jung Hoo Lee at loanDepot Park in Miami during the upcoming World Baseball Classic. On the fourth day of camp, Webb and Lee previewed that matchup in a much more lax environment than what the WBC would offer.
Webb and fellow right-hander Hayden Birdsong each threw their first live bullpens of camp on Friday afternoon at the main field at Scottsdale Stadium, while left-hander Carson Whisenhunt and right-hander Will Bednar faced hitters on a backfield.
“Obviously, it’d be fun to face him,” Webb said of Lee, the captain of South Korea. “I think that’s why I threw him all balls today, just so he doesn’t get to see it. No, I’m just kidding. It’d be a blast. I think I’ve faced Jung Hoo probably four times in live (bullpens) and I don’t think I’ve thrown him one strike. I don’t know why that is, but hopefully, if I do face him in the WBC, I remember how to throw strikes during that at-bat.
“I’m excited for Jungy, and I know he’s excited to represent his country. Obviously, if we’re facing each other, I’m not going to be friendly with him. But, always before and after.”
Webb, who had already thrown 12 bullpens, faced six batters and threw 25 pitches, while Birdsong faced four batters and threw 20 pitches. Here are the results for both Webb and Birdsong:
Webb
- Jerar Encarnacion: six pitches, fly out (Webb hit Encarnacion on the fifth pitch, but Encarnacion continued the at-bat)
- Heliot Ramos: three pitches, strikeout swinging
- Jung Hoo Lee: five pitches, walk
- Jared Oliva: two pitches, single
- Grant McCray: six pitches, strikeout looking
- Drew Gilbert: three pitches, double
Birdsong
- Jerar Encarnacion: six pitches, walk
- Heliot Ramos: five pitches, pop out
- Jung Hoo Lee: three pitches, single
- Patrick Bailey: six pitches, strikeout swinging
“It was really good,” Birdsong said. “The heater was there, so that’s what I’m happy about.”
The most impressive swing of the day belonged to Gilbert, who smashed the third pitch he saw from Webb and one-hopped the center-field wall. Oliva, a non-roster invitee, sent Webb ducking when he smashed a line drive in Webb’s direction that hit the netting directly behind the mound.
Lee and Webb will both leave camp in March to begin practicing with their respective teams. Webb, who’s on track to pitch in his fifth straight Opening Day, has the luxury of Team USA practicing at the nearby Papago Park, but Lee will have to travel to Tokyo to join South Korea in pool play.
“I’ve always been attending these international competitions as a player, but now going over there as a captain,” Lee said. “Also, this is my first time going over there as a Major League Baseball player. I feel like there’s a lot of responsibility that follows with it, so I would like to try my best out there.”
Webb’s participation in the WBC will make for an abnormal ramp-up to the regular season, but the right-hander said his throwing program has been normal. If anything, Webb believes he toned things down.
“Spring training’s funny because you’re excited to get here, you throw in like two games and you’re like, ‘All right, I want to get out of here.’ So, I actually get to do that this year,” Webb joked.
After winning his first Gold Glove last season, Webb’s gloves this season will feature a gold patch. Webb also has a special red, white and blue glove for the upcoming tournament.
“Patrick doesn’t have that on me anymore,” Webb laughed.
Giants sign right-hander Wick despite recent Tommy John surgery
The Giants signed another reliever to a major-league contract, albeit one who will contribute nothing to the team this season.
Right-hander Rowan Wick, who spent the last two seasons in Japan with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, agreed with San Francisco on a one-year deal with a club option for the 2027 season.
Wick will miss the entire ‘26 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery this past November. This deal, then, gives the Giants a chance to get an extended look at the right-hander as he goes through his rehab process.
To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Jason Foley has been placed on the 60-day injured list. Wick will eventually also move to the 60-day injured list when the Giants need a spot on the 40-man roster.
The 33-year-old Wick impressed in the NBP, winning the Japan Series in 2024 and posting a 0.84 ERA with Yokohama in ‘25. Wick has pitched in five major-league seasons, owning a career 3.82 ERA (146 innings) with 20 saves and 160 strikeouts.