D-backs’ Corbin goes from fifth starter to NL All-Star pitcher
Jul 7, 2013, 1:50 AM | Updated: Jul 8, 2013, 2:15 pm
He fought just to make the team.
Now, he’s an All-Star.
Left-hander Patrick Corbin was one of two Diamondbacks players to be named to the 2013 National League All-Star team, joining first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The two will head to New York and the 84th Midsummer Classic Tuesday, July 16 at Citi Field in New York.
“Never thought in a million years I’d ever be an All-Star or even play professional baseball,” Corbin said Saturday.
And to think he wasn’t even expected to be here.
The 23-year-old Corbin beat out highly-touted Tyler Skaggs and Randall Delgado, who was acquired as part of the trade of Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves, in spring training for the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation.
“I didn’t want to put too much pressure on me to start the season off. I just wanted to do the best that I could and try to get off to a hot start wherever I went,” Corbin said looking back on what is only his second season in the big leagues. “Fortunately, I made the team out of spring and got off to a good start and kept it going and want to continue to keep it going.”
Corbin won nine of his first 11 starts, including all five starts in May for which he was named NL Pitcher of the Month.
His 10 wins are five more than any other pitcher on staff.
“I know for our pitching staff he’s held it down for a little while,” Ian Kennedy said smiling.
Corbin (10-1, 2.40 ERA) was informed of his selection to his first-ever All-Star team by manager Kirk Gibson.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to think,” Corbin said. “It’s something that will probably sink in a little bit more when I get to New York.
“Being my first time I don’t really know what to expect,” he added. “(I’ll) just try to take everything in and try to bring back as many souvenirs or anything as I can.”
Corbin’s biggest concern may be handling ticket requests. Citi Field is only a four-hour drive from his hometown of Syracuse.
“You never know if you’ll ever be back again, so hopefully I’ll get in the game,” he said. “I’m just glad that my parents will get to be there to watch me.”
