ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

ESPN’s Law: Corbin projects as a No. 2 starter

Jun 25, 2013, 1:38 PM | Updated: 1:38 pm

LISTEN: Keith Law, MLB Insider

Not an ace.

That was the overall opinion of ESPN MLB analyst Keith Law when assessing Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin.

“I think he can be a good No. 2 pitcher and that is what I am buying,” Law told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf on Monday.

Corbin started the season as the No. 5 pitcher in the D-backs rotation after having to beat out Tyler Skaggs and Randall Delgado in spring training for that spot.

“I was never a huge Corbin fan and I violated one of my core beliefs,” Law said. “Always bet on good athletes and he is a good athlete.”

Last season, Corbin went 6-8 with a 4.54 ERA and 86 strikeouts. He appeared in 22 games and started 17.

The improvements from last season to this season for Corbin have been drastic.

Corbin is a perfect 9-0 this season with a 2.19 ERA and already has 79 strikeouts in 15 games. The team is 14-1 in games that he has started.

“The velocity he has shown only in relief work is now being shown in the rotation,” Law stated. “His athleticism has allowed him to add velocity and that is because of his quicker arm.”

You would be hard-pressed to find a pitcher who has been as valuable as Corbin has been to a team’s rotation in the first half of the MLB season.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks’ Paul Sewald to make rehab appearance for Triple-A Reno

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald is ready for his next step toward returning from the injured list.

8 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals’ Nolan Gorman hits walk-off home run to beat Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Kyle Nelson gave up a walk-off home run to Cardinals hitter and Phoenix native Nolan Gorman.

8 hours ago

Slade Cecconi...

Alex Weiner

Slade Cecconi gives Diamondbacks quality in relief of Merrill Kelly to beat Giants

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Slade Cecconi earned a quality start in his season debut in the major leagues Sunday at the Giants.

2 days ago

Blaze Alexander...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Blaze Alexander exits game vs. Giants with cramp

The Arizona Diamondbacks removed shortstop Blaze Alexander during the fifth inning of Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

2 days ago

Slade Cecconi...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks recall RHP Slade Cecconi, Merrill Kelly scratched vs. Giants with shoulder injury

The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi from Triple-A Reno and optioned right-handed reliever Justin Martinez.

2 days ago

Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen goes back to the mound as Giants hitter Patrick Bailey's home run...

Associated Press

Zac Gallen gets beat up in Diamondbacks’ loss to Giants

The San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-3 on Saturday as D-backs starter Zac Gallen allowed two homers.

2 days ago

ESPN’s Law: Corbin projects as a No. 2 starter