If the Arizona Diamondbacks stave off elimination Monday night in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, manager Torey Lovullo announced Patrick Corbin would take the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 at Chase Field on Tuesday night.
“We looked at Patrick as being a very versatile piece in this puzzle,” Lovullo said. “We had him for length and coverage over the first couple games. That was part of our game plan all series long, and it’s a credit to him for being that versatile that he was able to fill that role.”
“I felt like Game 4 was going to be the most crucial game of the series. But we need to get to Game 4. We can’t look beyond Game 3 before we get to Game 4.”
The start would be Corbin’s first since Sept. 24 and his first overall appearance since throwing 2.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen on Sept. 29. Corbin was included on the Diamondbacks’ active roster for the NL Wild Card Game.
Lovullo said he had “minimal concern” over Corbin’s long stretch without entering into a game. “We’re transparent with these players, and I think that he was able to understand what that role was,” the rookie manager added.
“And then he was preparing every single day for what was needed. I know he’s preparing behind the scenes right now for what might happen in Game 4.”
Whether Corbin is to pitch in relief in Game 3 or start a potential Game 4, the action would be his first postseason experience. The Diamondbacks saw firsthand how that can go south, as Taijuan Walker allowed four runs and only completed one inning in his Game 1 start.
Corbin went 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.97 WHIP in two starts against the Dodgers this season, both of which came at Dodger Stadium. He was 9-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 17 home starts.
