In Scottsdale, Logan Webb took the mound on a quiet Friday afternoon, throwing the first competitive pitch of 2026 for the San Francisco Giants during live batting practice. This moment came after 12 bullpen sessions designed to prepare his arm for the season ahead. Webb faced off against outfielder Jerar Encarnacion, kicking off the team’s spring training live matchups between pitchers and hitters. Webb’s focus extends beyond the Cactus League, as he is set to be a key part of Team USA’s pitching staff in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), a tournament that will run through mid-March.
Webb’s Routine and Outlook Heading Into Spring Training
Despite the excitement surrounding his WBC journey, Webb remains firmly concentrated on maintaining the usual rhythm of his preparations for Major League Baseball’s Opening Day. Having secured four consecutive Opening Day starts for the Giants, Webb is poised for a fifth but insists that his WBC participation will not disrupt his ramp-up. Reflecting on nerves and adrenaline, Webb acknowledged the lessons shared by veteran Justin Verlander last season, who emphasized the importance of staying sharp and alert when facing hitters.
“The minute you’re not nervous pitching in a game or facing hitters is the minute you should hang them up,” Justin Verlander, veteran pitcher
Webb said,
“I get adrenaline just pitching in the first spring training game. I had adrenaline today. You go out there and it’s the first time facing a hitter and you feel adrenaline. It’s the same thing with spring (training). I know the first spring game I’m always super about it and then I’m ready to go and pitch during the regular season.”
Transition From Giants Spring to Team USA Training
The Giants expect Webb to pitch in an early Cactus League game later this month, but shortly afterward, he will shift focus to representing the United States in the WBC. Training begins March 1 at Papago Park, the Giants’ minor league complex, where Webb will join fellow pitchers like Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. Team USA’s schedule includes a March 3 scrimmage in Scottsdale, followed by official pool play games against Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico at venues including Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros. Should Team USA advance, the tournament final is slated for March 17 in Miami.
Webb’s readiness for pitching at the Classic is underscored by positive feedback on his form and condition. Giants officials had hoped he might skip the WBC to focus on the MLB season, but Webb’s comments suggest he feels physically prepared to compete without impact on his regular season progression. Trainer Dave Groeschner will support Webb through the WBC, offering continuity and care during the event.
“The mechanics feel really good. It’s been a normal throwing program, a normal bullpen ramp-up,” Logan Webb, Giants pitcher
Webb and His Gold Glove Gear for 2026
Logan Webb will sport a notably personalized glove during the WBC and throughout the 2026 MLB season. Embellished with red, white, and blue stitching for international competition, the glove also features a gold patch to commemorate his first Gold Glove Award, earned in 2025. This distinctive glove aligns Webb with catcher Patrick Bailey, another Gold Glove recipient, although Webb jokes Bailey has held the honor longer.
“Patrick doesn’t have that on me anymore,” Logan Webb, Giants pitcher
Bailey caught for Webb during the batting practice session, as did fellow pitcher Hayden Birdsong, who remarked positively on his own ability to get the ball out cleanly during similar sessions.
Giants Sign Injured Pitcher Rowan Wick
The Giants made a strategic pitching acquisition by signing right-hander Rowan Wick to a one-year contract despite his unavailability for the 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery suffered in November. This move allows the organization to manage his rehab under their guidance, with a club option for 2027 if Wick’s recovery progresses as hoped. The 33-year-old’s last two seasons were spent in Japan, where he posted an impressive 0.84 ERA in 2025 with the Yokohama DeNa BayStars, ranking second-best in the league among pitchers with 40 innings or more.
In order to open a roster spot for Wick, the Giants placed fellow recovering reliever Jason Foley, coming back from shoulder surgery, on the 60-day injured list. Wick will also be transferred to the 60-day IL as needed and spend the entire season rehabbing without major league appearances.
Emerging Bullpen Talent: Reiver Sanmartin’s Presence and Personality
Among players vying for bullpen roles, left-hander Reiver Sanmartin has drawn attention not only for his skill but also for his charismatic presence. Sanmartin, 29, who previously spent time in the majors with the Cincinnati Reds, was claimed by the Giants in November. His energetic attitude and pitching ability have made a strong impression on manager Tony Vitello early in camp.
“I got to see him throw for the first time yesterday. Good stuff,” Tony Vitello, Giants manager
“But he’s a good hallway guy. If you’re not in a good mood when you walk past that guy, it’s going to change pretty quick. Right now, that’s my scouting report for him.”
“I don’t know how many games that wins you in the division or playing anybody else, but there’s a lot of good people in the building and he’s got good energy to him. I’m excited to watch him throw more.”
Impact of Webb’s Role in the World Baseball Classic
Logan Webb’s involvement in the World Baseball Classic presents both a challenge and an opportunity as he balances representing his country and leading the Giants’ rotation. The WBC offers high-level international competition and exposure that can sharpen Webb’s competitive edge early in the season. For the Giants, the event timing requires managing Webb’s workload carefully to ensure he remains fresh for his anticipated fifth consecutive Opening Day start.
The broader Giants roster and development plans will also be shaped by the shuffling needed to accommodate rehabbing players like Rowan Wick and Jason Foley, all while integrating new and returning talent such as Reiver Sanmartin. Fans and analysts will follow Webb closely, as his performance on the mound for Team USA could set the tone for a promising 2026 season with the Giants.
Getting closer and closer to games pic.twitter.com/vRDaVRqJki
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) February 13, 2026
