Corbin impresses in first spring outing

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Patrick Corbin commanded the strike zone and pitched well Sunday afternoon against the Rockies at Salt River Fields.

Corbin is battling with Randall Delgado and Tyler Skaggs for the fifth spot in the rotation.

The left-hander allowed one hit and walked one, while striking out four in two innings of work. Early in camp, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson and pitching coach Charles Nagy have preached commanding the strike zone above all else.

"I feel like I'm ahead of where I'm supposed to be at this point," Corbin said. "My arm felt great, which is always a good thing. I know Gibby and Nagy want your fastball command to be there, and that's something I felt like today I had working for me."

An impressive spring last year helped Corbin be the first pitcher the team called up from the Minors, and he would finish the season with 22 appearances, 17 of which were starts.

"Patrick threw the ball well," Gibson said. "He had great command, his slider was really good today, kept the ball down. Patrick's a great competitor, does a lot good. Just kept control of the game, he didn't really give them anything, made them earn everything they had."