Patrick Corbin and David Hernandez Throw Bullpen Sessions

There were two milestones reached yesterday relating to pitchers on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Starter Patrick Corbin and reliever David Hernandez threw their first bullpen sessions since both men underwent Tommy John surgery last year. The absence of Corbin, an All-Star in 2013 and Hernandez, a reliable setup man, contributed to the demise of the 2014 D’backs along with a host of other injuries including another TJ victim, Bronson Arroyo.

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As you could imagine, both guys were excited to get back on the mound. According to Steve Gilbert at mlb.com, Corbin “felt like it was my first start of the season”. Ironically, it was one year ago today that the lefty went under the knife. Hernandez, while still pumped about throwing, was a little more laid back:

"I just kind of felt like it was my first bullpen in Spring Training. Next is your next bullpen, and then you’ll face batters and then you’ll be in games. That’s the way I’m looking at it."

Both pitchers are expected to be back with the big club later in 2015. Hernandez is targeting a May return while Corbin would like to see Major League action in June. Adding two proven arms later in the season should be a boon to a pitching staff that will be a little on the young side.

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