What is the State of the Dbacks Rotation?

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Jun 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) sits in the dugout in-between innings against the New York Mets at Chase Field. The Mets won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Collmenter

Collmenter was always built in the mold of a cult hero. In 2013, Collmenter was incredibly efficient out of the bullpen. He produced a career high 3.13 ERA that warranted a move to the starting rotation in 2014. That season he started in a career high 28 games, went 11-9 and had a sub-3.50 ERA. Collmenter began the season as the Opening Day starter and the Dbacks “ace.”

Collmenter’s season peak came way back on April 17th (two months ago). It was a complete game shutout of the San Frnacisco Giants. His last victory came on May 6th, a game in which he allowed ten hits and five runs. His next start was a throttling at the hands of the Washington Nationals (nine earned runs) and his most recent start was five earned run effort. Collmenter returns to the bullpen where he figures to stay for the near future.

May 8, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley with a black eye in the dugout against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Archie Bradley

Bradley started the season as one of the highest rated prospects and the Dbacks’ leading man. Bradley broke camp as the #5 starter in the Dbacks rotation and further exemplified Arizona’s commitment to the future. After his first three starts, it was reaffirmed that the Dbacks were correct to keep him in the majors. Bradley went 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA and 12 strikeouts. He kept his team in the game while facing off against the likes of Kershaw and Bumgarner.

His season made 180 degree turn on April 28. While starting against Colorado, Bradley was hit in the face with a liner. He was sent to the DL but came off of it quickly. In the four starts since, he’s yet to go past 5 innings and has yet to give up fewer than four runs. Bradley returned to the DL with shoulder tendinitis. At 22 years old, there’s no rush to get him in the majors and we’ve already speculated whether he should be sent down when he returns.

9Sep 22, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin (46) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sport

Patrick Corbin

The one we’ve been patiently waiting for. Corbin showed us back in 2013 that he’s well worth the wait. That season he went 14-8 with a 3.41 ERA with 178 strikeouts. He was an All Star for Arizona and was destined to for great things before Tommy John surgery. The rehab process completely wiped out his 2014 season and he’s still hasn’t made his return. However, he’s finally facing live hitters in rehab assignments.

Corbin’s first start came in A-level ball with Visalia. He got roughed up (four runs, four hits) and didn’t make it out of the first inning. Corbin’s second start for AA Mobile was much better. In 4.2 innings, he surrendered two runs and six hits while striking out three. It appears that he’s still a few starts away from returning to the majors, but when he does, he should receive an opportunity to reclaim the spot he unfairly lost.

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