D-Backs' Corbin to return from Tommy John surgery next week

Patrick Corbin is set to join a long list of Tommy John patients making their long-awaited return to the majors.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale told reporters Monday that Corbin is inching closer to his first major-league start since 2013. Corbin threw six innings of two-run ball in a 79-pitch outing for Double-A Mobile on Friday.

Hale said the plan is for Corbin to make one more rehab start before rejoining the club during a two-game series next week in Texas.

"He said once he settled in (Friday), it's as good as he's felt. That's as confident as I've heard him talk about his outings," Hale said, noting the left-hander looked especially sharp following a lengthy rain delay in the first inning. "We're going to pitch him, get him again the five days in between, so it'll be on the sixth day, and then he'll come pitch for us five days after that."

Hale's timetable puts Corbin on track to potentially start either the July 7 or 8 game against the Rangers, though the Diamondbacks have repeatedly said they'll exercise caution with the former second-round pick.

"You can't expect him to come back looking like he did when he got hurt," Hale said.

Corbin is one of several injured pitchers who have returned or are on the verge of returning from elbow surgery. New York Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova looked strong in his first start of the season last week, while Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and Tampa Bay Rays lefty Matt Moore are scheduled to make their season debuts Thursday.