Arizona Diamondbacks: Patrick Corbin exhibits fast ball command in spring debut
By Mark Brown
Lefty Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks has the most potential to separate from others and contend for a spot in the rotation
Currently, in camp, manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks has a group of nine potential candidates for the five spots in then the starting rotation. Of those considered on the bubble, lefthander Patrick Corbin has the most potential to create separation.
Coming off a forgettable season in which he was banished to the bullpen and stripped of his spot in the rotation, Corbin arrived in camp this spring ready to regain his previous status. During the 2013 season, he roared off to a 9-0 start to commence the campaign and was named to the National League All-Star team.
Ready to open the 2014 season in Sydney, Australia against the Dodgers, Corbin suffered damage to his pitching elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery. That setback put the native of Clay, New York out of action until the 2015 All-Star break and the subsequent recovery. Falling out of favor with then-manager Chip Hale, Corbin suffered through a 5-13 season a year ago and experienced an elevated 5.15 ERA in 36 appearances.
Fast forward with a new beginning, Corbin arrived in camp energized and ready to stay in front of his competition. Given the way he started off his spring training audition Monday, Corbin clearly showed the ability to divide from potential rivals.
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"“I want to work on fast ball command and that’s something they preach around here,” Corbin told Venom Strikes after his initial spring outing Monday. “I felt good and now I want to get stronger and build up on my pitch count.”"
In a very crisp two innings, Corbin allowed no runs, no hits, walked one and fanned three of the six batters faced. With an economy of 28 pitches, Corbin tossed 19 for strikes.
This beginning monitored his start of the 2016 spring training. During camp games last spring, Corbin was effective and in five appearances, posted a 2-0 mark and a sparkling 1.71 ERA. Then, an abrupt fall from grace and Hale dropped him from the rotation like a lead balloon.
Still, he could face an uneasy future.
"“I had several conversations with Patrick and we talked about last year,” Lovullo told Venom Strikes. “Everything is laid out for him.”"
So far, it appears Corbin successfully jumped over the first hurdle.
Daily camp doings
Third baseman Jake Lamb was scratched from Monday’s game against the Reds. Manager Torey Lovullo pointed out Lamb was sidelined with a stomach virus and listed day-to-day. Lamb was on the bench Monday during the Diamondbacks’ 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Salt River.
Reliever Jeremy Sherfy was hospitalized with a virus and expected back in camp on Tuesday. Jake Barrett threw eight pitches Monday and Lovullo reported he felt fine, but taking things easy. Barrett is currently sidelined with right shoulder inflammation.
Next
On Tuesday, the Diamondbacks venture from Salt River for their first road game of the spring, They travel across the Phoenix metro area to Surprise and play the Rangers. Taijuan Walker gets his initial start for Arizona, and the Rangers are slated to start right-hander Nick Martinez.
For Wednesday, the Diamondbacks take on the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. Lefty Robbie Ray makes his first spring start against Sox righty James Shields.