Diamondbacks notebook: Webb bounces back with 6 strong innings

Brandon Webb was back to form on Thursday. And since that form garnered a National League Cy Young Award last season, the Diamondbacks must be pleased.

Neck stiffness caused Webb to miss his last scheduled start, but he rebounded by throwing six shutout innings in a 6-0 rain-shortened victory over the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. The Diamondbacks’ ace allowed just four hits, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter.

“Plus curve today, plus change-up today, plus sinker today,” Arizona manager Bob Melvin said of Webb’s stuff. “Everything went well.”

Webb had a perfect game through 3 2/3 innings until an opposite-field single by Barry Bonds broke it up. Pedro Feliz followed with a double, but Webb induced a groundout from Mark Sweeney to get out of San Francisco’s only real threat.

Webb hadn’t pitched in a game since March 6 because of the neck injury.

He threw 65 pitches Thursday and will look to throw 80-85 in his final spring training start.

“It felt pretty good to get out there and actually face some hitters,” Webb said.

ON TRACK

Randy Johnson’s morning bullpen session went well, and he is expected to throw again Saturday.

“The logistics haven’t been worked out, but he will pitch on Saturday, and it will be in a game situation,” Melvin said.

Johnson will not throw in either split-squad game against the White Sox or Padres, more likely in a “B” game against minor league hitters.

Johnson, who threw around 30 pitches Thursday and will throw around 35 on Saturday, said he is excited to pitch against opposing teams for the first time this spring.

“I’m very much interested to see how I do at this next point,” Johnson said.

The Diamondbacks are still projecting a mid-to-late April return for the Big Unit.

DOG DAYS

The dog days of August are commonly known around baseball circles, but the dog days of spring training? Melvin said we’re in them.

“This is the period that you fight a little bit,” Melvin said. “You usually see guys peaking like we were three, four days ago. You have a little bit of a lull somewhere around eight days. Once we get back to (Chase Field), two or three days before that, that’s when you really want to start hitting your stride.”

SHORT HOPS

Jeff DaVanon took batting practice again Thursday, but Melvin does not anticipate him being with the team for opening day. …

Melvin said he is leaning toward a lineup that has Stephen Drew leading off and Orlando Hudson batting second. …

Left-hander Dana Eveland, who is fighting for a roster spot, was scheduled to pitch the final four innings, but Webb took up one of those and rain took two. Melvin said they will find a way to get him more work. …

The Diamondbacks batted around in a five-run fifth inning. All five runs were unearned.