At the start of spring training, Patrick Corbin was not even assured a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation, after putting up a 4.54 ERA as a rookie in 2012. After nine starts, however, he has made a case for being the best pitcher in the National League so far this season. His 7-0 record and 1.44 ERA are opening eyes.
"It's impressive," D-backs Opening Day starter Ian Kennedy told MLB.com Thursday. "You're talking about a guy that people said might barely make the team in the fifth spot. He pitches well in Spring Training, but it's Spring Training. Then the season starts and he's doing pretty good now. He's on a roll now. I'm impressed."
Corbin is coming off his best start of the season, a complete-game three-hitter in a win over the Rockies that pushed him into the NL lead in wins. He also ranks second in ERA, eighth in WHIP (0.98) and has a miniscule .196 batting average allowed.