MLB Preview: 5 Spring Training players to watch

SP Patrick Corbin – ARI

Patrick Corbin is a 26-year-old southpaw who already has put up some pretty strong numbers in MLB. He missed all of 2014 because a UCL tear and nearly half of 2015. But before the injury, he produced a 14-8 record with a 3.41 ERA in 2013. He was named an All-Star that season and surpassed 200 IP on the year.

Last year, after making his debut on the Fourth of July, Corbin managed to start 16 games, winning six of them. He finished with a 3.60 ERA, but set career bests in FIP (3.35), K/9 (8.3) and K:BB (4.59). So far this spring, Corbin boasts a 1.71 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.

Also working in Corbin’s favor this season will be the arrival of Zack Greinke. Not only will the veteran three-time All-Star be able to mentor some of the younger arms on Arizona’s rotation like Corbin and Shelby Miller, but his presence will take some pressure off such names to lead by example on the pitching staff as well.

The Diamondbacks are a strong team on paper in 2016. The rotation is fairly deep and the lineup is well rounded, having perennial MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt as its center piece. The only thing standing in Corbin and the clubs way might be the Dodgers and Giants.

Next: Jake Lamb