Corbin was ‘prepared’ for difficult move to Nats
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Patrick Corbin knew what to expect. He had prepared himself for the possibility of leaving the Diamondbacks, and he had prepared himself for seeing his former team in the opposite dugout.
But that doesn’t mean Corbin isn’t feeling a tad awkward, even if he isn’t scheduled to start against the Diamondbacks during the fourgame series at Nationals
Park.
“A little strange seeing Arizona here today,”
Corbin said prior to Thursday’s game, “a team I’ve been with my whole career.”
Before Corbin elected to sign with the Washington Nationals in free agency, inking a six-year, $140 million contract in December, the Diamondbacks had been practically the only organization Corbin knew. Corbin was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2009 but was traded to Arizona a little more than a year later.
Corbin was an All-Star with the Diamondbacks just three years later, posting a 14-8 record to go along with a 3.41 ERA in 32 starts during his breakout 2013 season. Injuries and inconsistencies crept in during the following years, but Corbin finished his Diamondbacks career with a stellar 2018 season in which he went 11-7 with a 3.15 ERA.
The left-hander knew he was pitching well last season. He also knew that his contract was expiring. Corbin was asked questions by reporters all season long about his impending free agency, which he predictably shrugged off.
Although he said leaving Arizona was no small task, there was more value in seeing what else was out there.
“I kind of knew it was coming so I was prepared throughout the season,” Corbin said. “I was pitching really well and I knew that it was a possibility. But I really enjoyed my time over there (in Arizona) and loved everything about it. I kind of knew this was a step where I could have options of where I wanted to go next in my career.”
Corbin said he’s leaned on several veterans in the Nationals’ starting rotation, including Max Scherzer, who was a first-round pick by the Diamondbacks in 2006.
It has been an up-and-down first season for Corbin in the nation’s capital. Through 14 starts, Corbin carries a 5-5 record to go along with a 4.11 ERA. He has allowed six or more runs in two of his last three starts, a stretch preceded by a nine-inning shutout of the Miami Marlins on May 25.
“Just trying to work things out,” Corbin said.
Lamb could return this month
Although Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo would not commit to infielder Jake Lamb returning as soon as Tuesday, he did suggest that Lamb should have no problem returning to the big club before the month of June is out.
“I want it to happen for Jake,” Lovullo said, “because I could tell there was a change in his mindset 10 days ago where he felt like the best version of himself. I don’t want to deprive him of that.”
Lamb (quad) had five plate appearances with Triple-A Reno on Wednesday and reached base twice. Lovullo said Lamb was scheduled to play third base for the Aces on Thursday.
Short hop
Right-hander Jon Duplantier underwent an MRI on Thursday in Phoenix but manager Torey Lovullo did not have the results when he met with reporters prior to Thursday’s game at Nationals Park. Lovullo has not made a decision on who will start Sunday.