The Minnesota Twins soundly defeated the Washington Nationals 10-0 in a game that brought back eerie echoes of previous seasons.
Patrick Corbin was the main focus of this depressing defeat, as his performance stoked concerns about his troubles from 2020 to 2023.
It was clear from the start of the game that Patrick Corbin was going to have a difficult evening. The left-hander could not withstand a tenacious Twins lineup, who had been having offensive difficulties throughout their seven-game losing streak, managing just 12 runs in that time.
This was despite some recent improvements. But against Patrick Corbin, they clicked, indicating a possible low point in the Nationals’ season.
The Nationals’ offense, which had scorched for 12 runs against Pablo López and the Twins bullpen the previous evening, was a further source of disappointment.
This time, Joe Ryan absolutely quieted their batters, making any possible counterattack pointless considering Corbin’s troubles in the mound.
After the game, manager Davey Martinez said, “Sometimes those days just happen.” He has been playing exceptionally well and keeping us in the game.
It simply didn’t happen today.” Corbin was unable to sustain his 3.46 ERA during his previous five outings, which was a sign of development. His ability to keep the ball in the park has been a big part of his recent success, but tonight it did not happen.
Byron Buxton set the tone for the evening with a leadoff home run in the second inning off of a cutter to right-center.
In the third inning, Jose Miranda did the same, launching a high fastball deep to left field for a two-run home run that increased the Twins’ advantage to 4-0.
In the fifth inning, Buxton delivered yet another blow to the Nationals’ supporters, launching his second home run of the game.
“On occasion, lone homemakers… Three of those, after all, make it 3-0 rather than 6-0. There’s a significant distinction to it,” Corbin said.
Simply put, not as much is around the plate today. Additionally, there were some fastballs where the location wasn’t there.
All in all, it was one of those days where everything I threw seemed to hit something.”
The Nationals needed to preserve bullpen resources since they let Corbin pitch through six innings despite his bad outing.
His ERA increased from 5.59 to 6.29 when he finished with 106 pitches and seven runs given up. This was his poorest start of the season.
This was the 11th time since 2020 that Corbin has allowed seven or more runs in a start, second only to Jordan Lyles. This adds to a concerning statistic.
The question that remains for Nationals supporters is how long Corbin will be a part of the team’s rotation.
The only reason the company has justified his position is that there haven’t been five glaringly superior candidates.
However, with his hefty $140 million contract signed in 2019 looming over decisions, the clock is ticking on his tenure as a starter.
The Nationals’ rotation could soon get some help. Despite being sidelined due to an elbow flexor issue, Josiah Gray has been throwing off a mound and could soon be facing live hitters.
Gray will probably reclaim a role in the rotation after completing his rehabilitation.
Furthermore, after recuperating from Tommy John surgery, Nationals first-round selection Cade Cavalli made a successful rehab debut and is expected to return by mid-to-late June.
There was anticipation that Corbin could pitch well enough to draw attention from other clubs as the trade deadline drew near.
That situation is becoming less realistic, though. A more realistic course of action would be to move Corbin to the bullpen, giving the team a much-needed left-handed alternative and enabling them to gradually remove him from the starting rotation without having to give him up completely.
Ultimately, the Nationals need to carefully consider their options.
Although Corbin’s professionalism and tenacity are admirable, the team needs a strong pitcher if it hopes to remain competitive, and its tolerance for Corbin’s setbacks may be wearing thin.
The Nationals’ rotational landscape may be about to undergo a major change, with Corbin possibly moving into a new role sooner rather than later, given the prospect of returning soon.
This Article was written by Tushar @09Sports.com
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