Corbin closes in on anticipated return

SAN DIEGO -- D-backs starter Patrick Corbin continues to pitch well during his Minor League rehab assignment, but will need to make one more start before returning to the Majors.

Corbin, who hasn't pitched for the D-backs since 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, pitched six innings for Double-A Mobile on Friday night. He allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits with five strikeouts on 79 pitches.

"He threw the ball well," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "Stuff looked good, he was throwing his breaking ball and his changeup, his fastball got up a little bit."

It has not been determined where Corbin will make his final rehab outing. He has made three starts for Mobile, going 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA.

Hale said after Corbin's final rehab start, he will likely be able to make one start in the Majors before the All-Star break.

"We just want to make sure he's 100 percent ready," Hale said. "You just want to be very cautious in this situation."

Hale also said he is not considering a six-man rotation when the left-hander returns.

Worth noting

• Catcher Oscar Hernandez (fractured left hand) has played three games for Triple-A Reno on his rehab assignment, but there is no set date for him to be in the Majors. The D-backs' Rule 5 pick is 2-for-9 with two doubles and an RBI so far for Reno.

Hale has said the D-backs will make room on the roster for Hernandez when he is ready and will not return him to the Rays.

• Outfielder Ender Inciarte (strained right hamstring) will not be ready to come off the disabled list when his 15 days are up. There are currently no plans for his rehab assignment, which Hale said he will need before returning to the club.