Patrick Corbin, a left-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Corbin was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2010 as part of a deal for Dan Haren. He made his MLB debut on April 30, 2012, against the Miami Marlins, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starter in Arizona's rotation.
Corbin's early years with the Diamondbacks were marked by steady development. In 2013, he earned his first All-Star selection, finishing the season with a 14-8 record and a 3.41 ERA. His performance that year helped solidify his reputation as a promising young pitcher. However, his career faced a setback in 2014 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire season.
Returning to the mound in 2015, Corbin worked to regain his pre-surgery form. Over the next few seasons, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, gradually improving his performance. By 2018, Corbin had fully reestablished himself as a top-tier pitcher. That year, he posted an 11-7 record with a 3.15 ERA and 246 strikeouts, earning his second All-Star selection.
In December 2018, Corbin signed a six-year contract with the Washington Nationals, a move that would prove instrumental for both him and the team. During the 2019 season, he played a crucial role in the Nationals' starting rotation, finishing with a 14-7 record and a 3.25 ERA. His efforts were vital in helping the Nationals secure a spot in the postseason.
Corbin's performance in the 2019 playoffs was particularly noteworthy. He contributed significantly to the Nationals' World Series run, appearing in multiple games both as a starter and a reliever. In Game 7 of the World Series against the Houston Astros, Corbin pitched three scoreless innings in relief, helping the Nationals clinch their first-ever championship.
The subsequent seasons saw Corbin face challenges as he sought to maintain his performance levels. In 2020, the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique difficulties, and Corbin finished with a 2-7 record and a 4.66 ERA. The 2021 season also proved challenging, as he struggled with consistency, ending the year with a 9-16 record and a 5.82 ERA.
Throughout his career, Corbin has been known for his slider, a pitch that has been particularly effective in generating strikeouts.
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