Patrick Corbin could return to D-backs rotation on Saturday
PHOENIX -- Patrick Corbin's return from Tommy John surgery is coming soon -- maybe sooner than expected.
Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said Wednesday that Corbin is a possibility to start Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies.
When Allen Webster was optioned to Reno after Monday's start, it created a need for a Saturday starter. Hale said Josh Collmenter or a minor-league callup remain a possibility, but if no issues pop up with Corbin over the next couple of days, he could get the call.
Originally the plan was for Corbin to make one more rehab start on Thursday in Albuquerque and make his major-league return next week in Texas, but Hale says the final rehab start was more precautionary than anything.
"We'll have him throw Saturday either here or down in the minor leagues. but we're not 100 percent sure yet," Hale said.
"Between the training staff, the front office and the coaching staff, he's ready to pitch. We know physically he can handle it. We're just going to keep discussing it until we make that final decision. You're going to put the best person that you think gives you the best chance to win Saturday.
"And that's what we're looking at, and also the health of Crobin. We all feel that he's ready, but we want to make sure that over these next few days that he feels the way he should feel."
Corbin pitched six innings for Double-A Mobile in his last rehab start on Friday night. He gave up two runs, one earned, on four hits, with five strikeouts on 79 pitches.
Corbin made the NL All-Star team in 2013, going 14-8 with a 3.41 ERA, but hasn't pitched in the majors since surgery in March 2014.
