Texas Rangers’ Patrick Corbin Pitches Through Mystery—What Really Happened?

Texas Rangers pitcher Patrick Corbin delivered a standout performance on Wednesday night, leading the Rangers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. But the real story unfolded before the game even began: Corbin took the mound just two days after suffering a mysterious bite on his foot, suspected to be from a spider or another venomous insect.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy revealed that Corbin was a “50/50” shot to play, as swelling from the bite left the veteran left-hander barely able to walk into the clubhouse that morning. “Something bit me, but I still don’t know what,” Corbin told reporters, describing the ordeal as both bizarre and painful.

Despite the odds, Corbin powered through 1/3 innings, striking out six and allowing just one run. This marked his first win in a Rangers uniform and a much-needed boost for a Texas team already battling injuries in its pitching staff. Corbin, signed late in spring to provide innings-eating stability, showed flashes of his old form—raising hopes he can be more than just a stopgap for the reigning World Series champs.

As Corbin recovers, the Rangers look to build on their strong start. Fans—and perhaps even Corbin himself—are left wondering: just what bit him, and will this strange episode mark a turning point in his season?