Arizona Diamondbacks: Patrick Corbin steps up, provides stopper role
Lefty Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks stopped a three game losing streak with a victory over the Cubs.
At best, the 2017 season for left-hander Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been a season of inconsistency. For the Diamondbacks to drive successfully into the post-season, the level of consistency from all players needs to be higher, especially from starters.
Coming into Saturday’s game with the Chicago Cubs at home, the Diamondbacks were saddled with a three-game losing streak, and looked to Corbin as a stopper. Given the uneven pattern of his season, the chances were not terribly strong that Corbin would or could respond. Conversely, manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen prior to the game that Corbin “is up for the challenge.”
Given the precarious nature of the starting rotation and uncertainly of an overworked bullpen, the Diamondbacks needed a strong effort from Corbin on a number of levels. First, there is no question that the native of Clay, N.Y. could provide key wins down the stretch.
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More importantly, the length of Corbin’s effort was vital. For a bullpen saddled with numerous back-to-back efforts and a penchant for letting games get out of hand, Corbin needed to go deep into this game.
In the end, Corbin turned in his best effort of the season at a critical time, going 6 2/3 innings, he allowed five hits, walked one, gave up no runs, fanned eight and had an economical 102 pitches. Afterward, Corbin told Call to the Pen that the effort resulted from a solid game plan.
“I wanted to attack the zone and keep them off balance,” he said. “I used the back door curve a lot, and really wanted to go after them.”
Clearly, Corbin was aware of his last outing against the Cubs. At Wrigley Field on Aug. 1, he allowed 10 hits and eight earned runs in three innings. That included 70 pitches for that outing, and on Saturday, he threw 53 pitches alone for the first four innings.
“I knew what happened last time against that team,” he said. “I only wanted to have a good outing, and move forward.”
After J.D. Martinez slammed a double into the right field corner to score Adam Rosales and snap a scoreless tie in the sixth, the Diamondbacks then added three more in the frame. Later, a single run in the seventh and David Peralta’s inside-the-park home run in the eighth sealed the deal. Despite the late offense, Lovullo cited Corbin for the win.
“Impressive outing for Patrick, and on a night when he needed a starter to step up,” he said. “(Corbin) did his job and deserves credit for this victory.”
An important update
All-Star left-hander Robbie Ray continues to evolve through a rehab period, but there is no timetable for his return to the mound.
After Ray was hit in the head with a line drive off the bat of the Cardinals’ Luke Voit on July 28, he was placed under the protection of Major League Baseball’s concussion protocol and remains inactive in competition play.
On Saturday, Ray threw 50 pitches in a simulated game and told Call to the Pen he came away with no effects.
“I feel great and my body feels great,” he said. “At this point, I’ll wait and see what they decide on the next step.”
Lovullo pointed out he favors a few rehab starts and not to thrust Ray back directly into a pennant race. Then again, the minor-league schedule is down the final three weeks, and available games may evaporate.