Braves pitcher Jacob Webb, who hit Kevin Pillar in face with pitch, says it’s ‘tough moving forward’

As New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar begins his recovery from the facial fractures he suffered when hit by a pitch on Monday night, another healing process is taking place on the opposite side.

The incident also left a vivid impression on Atlanta Braves pitcher Jacob Webb, who threw the 95 mph fastball that hit Pillar in the top of the seventh inning. 

"More worried about him obviously, but I got some news that he’s doing all right and everything came back negative with CT scans and all that stuff. So glad he’s doing alright and hoping for speedy recovery,” Webb told reporters on Tuesday.

Webb, 27, is in his third season with the Braves. Pillar is only the second batter he has hit in 57 innings as a major leaguer.

"This is the first time I’ve had an incident like this… it’s tough. You never want to hurt a fellow competitor," he said. "It’s definitely tough moving forward."

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jacob Webb reacts after hitting New York Mets' Kevin Pillar with a pitch in the seventh inning. (Photo: The Associated Press)

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Webb said he texted Pillar after the game and got a text back "reminding me that everything is going to be all right and stuff happens."

Pillar will meet with a facial specialist in Atlanta to determine the next steps in his recovery. 

Meanwhile, Webb is back in the Braves bullpen, trying to get the gruesome images out of his mind and focus on his next appearance.

"Most of my teammates and coaches have been rallying around me … making sure I’m OK mentally," he said. "Everyone has been uplifting about it. You can’t ask for more than that."

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