Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Diamondbacks exercise option on Webb

The Arizona Diamondbacks have exercised their $8.5 million club option on ace starter Brandon Webb for the 2010 season.

Webb made only one start this year, the season-opener, before struggling with right shoulder problems and eventually having arthroscopic surgery on August 4. The procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas.

"Since Brandon has recovered well from his surgery, we have decided to exercise his option," said Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes. "His accomplishments for our organization have been significant. We look forward to him returning to the mound."

The 30-year-old has been a centerpiece of the Diamondbacks' rotation for a number of years, as he won the National League Cy Young Award in 2006, when he went 16-8 with a 3.10 earned run average, five complete games and three shutouts.

In seven major league seasons, all with Arizona, Webb has gone 87-62 with a 3.27 ERA in 199 games (198 starts). In 1319 2/3 innings, he has struck out 1,065 and walked 435.