Nationals to skip next start of Patrick Corbin after ERA balloons to 7.02

After failing to get out of the first inning in two of his last three starts, concerns have heightened over Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin. On Tuesday, Nationals manager Dave Martinez announced the club is skipping Corbin’s next, according to the Washington Post’s Andrew Golden.

With the Nationals having an off day on Thursday, skipping his next start will allow Corbin to work with pitching coach Jim Hickey during some bullpen sessions. Corbin will start his next turn in the rotation on Tuesday, Aug. 16. against the Chicago Cubs in D.C.

“I want to leave this year with a positive moving forward to next year because, regardless of what anyone thinks, he’s gonna be one of our starters next year and the year after that,” Martinez said, according to Golden.

Since being a key cog in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series championship, Corbin has been on a steep decline. Last season he had a major league-worst 16 losses and 5.82 ERA. This season has fared worst for Corbin.

His ERA ballooned to 7.02 after surrendering six earned runs in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Corbin was pulled recording just two outs.

In his last five starts, Corbin has allowed 26 earned runs in 15.2  innings for a 14.94 ERA.

Corbin going to the bullpen has been floated. However, he is owed $24 million next season. Then $35 million in 2024 on top of the $23 million he makes this season and the $10 million deferred in 2025.

The Nationals are sure to do everything possible to fix his woes to keep him in the starting rotation. Immediate fixes won’t be easy. But by the sounds of Martinez, the end goal is getting Corbin up to par for next season and the season after.