23-year-old lefty Patrick Corbin has earned the fifth spot in the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation, reports Steve Gilbert on Twitter. His first start still has not been scheduled yet -- he could pitch Saturday in Milwaukee, or flip him with Wade Miley, giving him the Friday start in the series opener.
Corbin had been battling Randall Delgado, acquired from the Braves in the Justin Upton trade, for the spot. Corbin’s 2.81 ERA in 25.2 spring innings pushed him ahead compared to Delgado’s 7.45 ERA in 19.1 innings. Delgado will report to Triple-A Reno and will likely be the first to be called if the D-Backs need rotation help.
In his first taste of big league action last year, Corbin posted a 4.54 ERA in 107 innings and many feel his ERA did not speak to his actual performance.
As you might expect, Corbin was happy with the news:
Glad to be a part of the #Dbacks and this rotation. Couldn’t be happier to be with such a great group of guys. Excited for this season!!!
— Patrick Corbin (@PatrickCorbin11) March 30, 2013