Do Not Shut Patrick Corbin Down

Give Patrick Corbin a chance to finish strong. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Corbin fell just short of a milestone during last night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The lefty was pounded for six runs on seven hits in just two innings, his shortest outing of the season. Thus, Corbin has now logged 199 innings, just short of the magic 200 mark.  Because most of his performances over the past month have been subpar and he is now in unchartered territory, there has been speculation regarding whether or not the Arizona Diamondbacks will limit him the rest of the season or just skip his last start or two. To me, the choice is clear.

As long as Patrick Corbin says his arm is fine, let him finish the season like any other pitcher.

The numbers are bad over his last ten outings: 2-6 with a 5.03 ERA. Last evening’s start was the worst of them all which only bolsters the case for those who believe Corbin should be done for the season. However, the previous two starts were solid:  14 1/3 innings, 16 hits allowed but only 4 earned runs. If one is worried about the number of innings he has thrown, his output among three levels in 2012 totaled 186 1/3 innings. Say he throws another 12-15 innings over his final two starts, that will give him between 211-214 innings.  That is not even 30 innings more than 2012’s number, hardly a big leap. If one is concerned about the next two opponents, it appears Cobrin is on track to face the Rockies in Colorado and the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Both situations seem to be tough, one game being at Coors Field and the other against the sizzling Nats. Who he is facing should not determine whether or not he should pitch. All pitchers need to fight through adversity when tired or ineffective.

Patrick Corbin has had a remarkable season. Unless he says his arm is tired, Corbin needs to be there for his final two turns.  Even though it is not ending the way any of us would like, to not let him finish it off would be a disservice to the guy.

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @venomstrikes