Arizona Diamondbacks 19th in Grantland’s mid-season rankings

The Arizona Diamondbacks head into the All-Star break sporting a 42-45 record, which has them five games out of the second Wildcard spot in the National League.

Jonah Keri of Grantland came out with his mid-season rankings, and has the Snakes ranked 19th. He notes the positive development of having Patrick Corbin back on the mound for the team.

For four innings on Saturday, Patrick Corbin was living the dream. In his second start back after the requisite long, painful recovery from Tommy John surgery, Corbin dominated the Mets, allowing just a lone single to Michael Cuddyer in the first and clocking five strikeouts. Then, the wheels flew off. Three of the next seven batters cracked a home run, with Matt Harvey’s go-ahead two-run shot in the fifth the biggest indignity of the bunch.

It was a disappointing end to what could have been a magical evening for a pitcher who was Arizona’s staff ace as recently as two years ago. Still, the Tommy John scourge has become so prevalent, the continued presence of a pitcher like Corbin on the mound was great to see.

Despite Corbin’s melt-down on Saturday, it has certainly been a great sign to see the former All-Star make his first two starts since undergoing Tommy John surgery last March.

Corbin could be the Diamondbacks’ ticket to making a push for the playoffs if he can be the ace of the pitching staff, something the team has not had since his injury.

Arizona’s team ERA sits at 4.22, which ranks 26th in MLB.