“We can’t win” world series To be honest, without him,” Davey Martinez was asked last month to evaluate Patrick Corbin’s performance in his six-year/$140 million contract (2019-2024) with the Nationals. He spoke to reporters at the time.
In the first year of his contract, Corbin played a role in helping bring the nation’s capital to its first World Series championship since 1924.
Although Martinez acknowledged Corbin’s struggles in subsequent seasons, when he recalls their time together in Washington, D.C., he remembers Corbin appearing in the World Series as a left-handed pitcher and coming out of the bullpen in the postseason. , he said.
“He was part of an incredible team and did a lot of great things for us,” the captain said. “I asked him to do some tough things, like go into the bullpen, and he did it well without any arguments. He pitched three innings in Game 7.
“It was because of him that we were able to get that trophy into the Champions Club.”
The result was exactly that (That’s as close as it gets to what it is), Corbin received the ball when it was his turn in the rotation throughout his tenure as part of the starting rotation.
“For me, every time he steps on the field, I know what I’m going to get from him, right?” Martinez asked rhetorically.
“I mean, for better or worse, he’s going to take the ball away every five days and do everything he can for us, so we don’t know what’s going to happen this winter. You know how I feel about him. As he knows, I have never given up on him. And he means a lot to this team. I mean, we can’t win the World Series without him. I’m glad he’s here, he’s still going to start for us this season. We’re going to finish that and see where we are.”
Corbin made his 31st start of the season last week (5.58 ERA, 4.39 FIP, 53 walks (2.82 BB/9), 136 Ks (7.23 K/9), .299/.349/). He spoke later. .489 line for 169 1⁄3 Innings pitched), he talked about the situation he was in heading into what was likely his last start with the Nationals.
“Physically I feel really good,” said the 35-year-old southpaw. “It’s kind of like looking back on the past six years here. It’s kind of gone by so quickly. It’ll probably be my last time in Washington, D.C., and I’m excited to pitch there again. , I’d like to hopefully finish on a good note and see what happens.”
Before starting in No. 32, Martinez talked about the numbers Corbin posted after his hot start in 2019. Of course, it’s not what everyone wanted, something both the starter and his manager have acknowledged over the years, and the captain said he knows it’s been difficult at times.
“It definitely kills him, right? He wants to go out there and play, and he wants to go out there and help us win,” Martinez explained. “But, like I said, the fact that he goes out there and does what he has to do and gives us innings has been the same every year, no matter what. The guy was going to take the ball away every five days. That was guaranteed. He didn’t complain about anything. He’s an incredible guy.”
Corbin went to 5 1⁄3 On Thursday, he allowed six hits, one walk, and four earned runs on 73 pitches, 49 strikes, and 3 Ks, losing 7-4, and Kansas City lost all three games in the series. Inside Nationals Park.
“I know he wanted to win more games, but what I can tell you right now is that he’s a reliable guy,” Martinez said after the game.
“I’m really proud of him because there were a lot of people out there who went through what he went through and probably would have shut it down. He didn’t.
“Every five days he was getting the ball and going out there. I’m so proud of him and no matter what happens, I enjoyed my time with him and we’re going to I know that you will always be close.”
“I’m very happy to be a part of his career.”
“Looking back now, the last six years have gone by pretty quickly,” Corbin said after his last start in 2024. “But I enjoyed every second. I don’t regret anything, I enjoyed my time here.
“And obviously, the way to win the World Series is to start a family and get to see everyone. It’s been great. It’s all been really fun.”
“I wouldn’t take anything back, it was great.”
At least in part, Martinez dragged the starter off the mound to give the fans in the ballpark a chance to show he appreciated what Corbin had done for the club.
“It’s almost like they didn’t want to take him out. But I think he understands. And like I said, I couldn’t be happier for him and his family. And this… I know it’s not the last time for Patrick. Like I said, he’s going to be a free agent, but you never know what’s going to happen.”
“It was awesome,” Corbin said of the sendoff. “Maybe I had something in mind – maybe Davey would come out in that situation. But yeah, I think it might have been my first one. But it was cool. I mean, I’ve been here for half of my career. I’ve had a lot of experiences with the fans and they’ve supported us all these years. So I had nothing but love for them and it was really special.”
“The fans standing there were very special.”
“Thank you to the fans for doing that.”
