D-backs mindful of Corbin's innings count

SAN FRANCISCO -- All-Star Patrick Corbin turned 24 years old on Friday, but at this point the talented left-hander might be counting innings more than candles.

Corbin's inning of relief in Tuesday's All-Star Game will be his only outing in a span of 11 days between starts. Manager Kirk Gibson reiterated Friday that the club will not start Corbin until Tuesday in an effort to monitor his innings.

"He's been our savior," Gibson said. "Without Patrick, we wouldn't be in good shape at all."

Corbin has been the ace of the D-backs' rotation with an 11-1 record and 2.35 ERA in 19 starts. He has tossed 130 1/3 innings and is on pace to shatter his career high of 186 1/3 from last year between Arizona and the Minor Leagues.

"We've got to take care of him," Gibson said. "We're erring conservatively. You also worry about giving him too much time off."