Patrick Corbin injury: Diamondbacks starter could need Tommy John surgery

Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin suffered a strain to the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale.

Corbin, 24, pitched well in Arizona last season.

In 208⅓ innings, he posted a 3.41 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. He had an excellent first half with a 2.35 ERA in 130⅓ innings, but struggled after the All Star Break -- 5.19 ERA in 78 innings.

The left hander plans to seek a second opinion on the ligament damage he sustained in his left elbow. Of course, if he needs Tommy John, he'll be out for the entire season. Wade Miley has been tabbed to replace him in the team's Opening Series in Australia next weekend.

The Diamondbacks are already dealing with injuries to Trevor Cahill and Bronson Arroyo, and Brandon McCarthy has never started more than 25 games in a single season, so the news of Corbin's potential absence could cause Arizona to pursue a starter from outside the organization.

However, the D-backs have some pitching depth. Randall Delgado and Josh Collmenter can help the team bridge the gap, and they have one of the top pitching prospects in the game. They'd probably like to control Archie Bradley's service time, keeping him in the minors until after he'd be certain to miss out on Super-Two status. But if they need him now, he might just win a spot in the rotation.

The injury to Corbin could open the door for Archie Bradley, who is fighting with Delgado for 5th starters job. #Dbacks.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 16, 2014