San Francisco Giants
· 2026-07-13
San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will sit out the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, ending any chance he had to showcase his arm on baseball's biggest mid‑season stage. The right‑hander, who has been a workhorse for the club, was originally slated to start the National League’s first inning on July 16, but a lingering shoulder issue forced the team to pull the plug.
The Giants announced Wednesday that Webb’s left‑shoulder soreness, first noted during a June series against the Dodgers, has not improved despite a week of rest and light throwing. Team medical staff concluded that pitching in the All-Star Game would risk aggravating the injury and potentially sideline him for the crucial stretch run. Manager Gabe Kapler emphasized player health over exhibition glory, noting that the Giants need Webb healthy for the final two months of the season.
Webb’s absence from the All-Star roster leaves a gap in the Giants’ starting rotation, already strained by a 41-55 record that places the club 13th in the National League. The team has been relying on a mix of veterans and younger arms to fill the void. Pitcher Alex Wood, who threw a solid 5‑2 win over the Rockies on July 12, is expected to shoulder more innings, while rookie Jordan Montgomery may see an accelerated promotion to the big league staff.
With the Giants sitting on a two‑game winning streak after beating Colorado 3‑1 on July 12, every win matters. The loss of Webb’s elite arm could force the bullpen to work deeper into games, testing its depth. Reliever Camilo Doval, who has been a strikeout machine, might see increased high‑leverage opportunities. The front office is reportedly monitoring trade options for a veteran starter, but any move must fit within the team's payroll constraints.
Team doctors are optimistic that Webb could return to the rotation by early August, provided his shoulder responds to a targeted rehab program. Kapler hinted that Webb will likely make a scheduled start against the Padres on August 3, giving him a chance to regain rhythm before the final push for a postseason berth. Until then, the Giants will lean on their collective pitching depth and hope the offense can compensate.
Webb’s withdrawal opens a spot for another National League pitcher, likely a left‑hander from the Cubs or Cardinals, to take the mound. The All-Star Game will still feature a strong NL lineup, but Giants fans will miss seeing their ace compete against the league’s best. The decision underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between showcasing talent and preserving health for the grind of a 162‑game schedule.