Seriously, what are the odds of a major league star getting threatened by something as unexpected as an insect? Yes, exactly – an insect. Ahead of the Texas Rangers’ clash against the Los Angeles Angels, a key pitcher’s first home start with the Rangers was nearly off the table. Just hours before the first pitch, the left-hander rushed to the clubhouse, and his odds of taking the mound didn’t look promising.

But oh boy, what happened next might blow your mind.

35-year-old Rangers world champ Patrick Corbin was at his former teammate Max Scherzer’s home just two days before his first home start for the Rangers. Turns out, Corbin got bit by a venomous spider when he was playing with Scherzer’s kids in the backyard. Just when Corbin stepped back in, he realized something wasn’t right with his right foot.

On the day of the matchup, he decided to reach the ballpark earlier than usual to figure out how swollen his ankle was.

It was almost impossible for him to take the mound. He could barely walk to the clubhouse. Corbin himself was doubtful about his start. He admitted postgame, “It was really bad in the morning; I wasn’t sure if I was going to throw.” But guess what? He did throw.

And little did he know about the magic spell the spider venom carried, that his performance was off the charts. It was the first time he battled 16 or fewer batters across five innings. The last time he did something like this was back in April 2018, when he went up against the Giants as a Diamondback.

It came as a surprise that despite the venomous bite, he was able to pitch 5⅓ innings. He allowed one run on 5 hits, contributing to the Texas Rangers’ 3-1 win against the Angels.

From almost missing his home start to delivering flawlessly, Corbin has won the admiration of fans and the entire league.

Patrick Corbin or Peter Parker: Fans have got a Spider-Man in the Rangers

The moment it came to light that Corbin had been bitten by a venomous spider, and still he recorded an impressive set of numbers, fans weren’t just surprised; they were simply amazed.

Some were impressed, some were entertained, and others simply felt a newfound admiration for Corbin. Some were instantly swayed away by his pitching despite a venomous spider bite: “We got Spider-Man lol, the league cooked.” Bitten by a spider and got his form back – of course, that will lead fans to believe in Spider-Man.

It took fans a while to process Corbin’s unexpected heroic home start. And then there were comic book contrasts: “His Spiderman arc is here.” Now, think about how Peter Parker was a mellow next-door neighbor, ignored by many! Then, suddenly, a spider made him one of the Avengers! Probably, Patrick Corbin is also entering that zone!

It looked like all the odds were in favor of Corbin despite the fact that he could have been on the sidelines. So, some concerns also came along the way with humor: “What a pull for the Spider League. Hope he’s alright.” Even Corbin, himself, was worried before the start! But, guess, he feels absolutely immortal now!

Then, some also judged the significance of his role with the Rangers and pointed out: “For the Rangers, Corbin’s stable performance has positive significance for the current pitching lineup that is plagued by injuries.” Malcolm Moore’s broken finger, Jon Gray’s right arm injury, Jack Leiter in the 15-day IL, Cody Bradford’s elbow injury, Gerardo Carrillo’s TJ surgery, and Jose Corniell’s elbow injury – such plagues were almost ready to break everything up, had it not been for Patrick Corbin.

And some even talked about witnessing Corbin’s style of play after a while. “That’s the most Patrick Corbin thing I’ve ever heard.” The ones who have followed his career are no strangers to the fact that he’s full of surprises. This latest outing has served as another reminder that Corbin can never be predictable.

Seems like MLB universe and the fans won’t be forgetting Patrick Corbin’s first home start with the Rangers anytime soon. And probably, this will be marked as one of the most unexpected matchups of this season. Don’t you think?