Webb emerges as standout in O's bullpen

TORONTO -- With the Orioles' starters having some trouble consistently going deep into games, manager Buck Showalter has gotten a good look at his bullpen in the season's first few weeks. And one of the team's new additions, right-hander Ryan Webb, is becoming a regular fixture.

Webb has pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings on the Orioles' road stretch and has retired 17 of 19 batters he has faced since April 7. He allowed a combined four earned runs in his first two outings but has since made seven scoreless appearances, including pitching in three consecutive games entering Thursday.

"He's capable of doing both," manager Buck Showalter said of whether Webb, who recorded one out Tuesday and Wednesday, is more of a situational guy. "[He's capable] of doing more. But the situation called for it."

Webb, signed to a two-year contract as a free agent this winter, struck out the side Monday in Boston for the first time in his career. He is adjusting to the American League after coming from Miami and is developing into another potential late-inning guy for Showalter.

"I definitely feel like I'm comfortable on the mound and getting acclimated to the AL East and these hitters," Webb said. "First, second time around, kind of figure out how I'm going to pitch guys. I'm just going out there and having a little more confidence in what I'm doing, and I'm more comfortable on the mound."

It shows.

"I think he came along slow in spring, which you can tell with some of the things he's showing now that he didn't show early this spring and part of the season," Showalter said. "Maybe that's our fault as much as his. He's been a weapon for us."