Corbin Burnes Faces Delay in Recovery from Injury, Diamondbacks Await Return

The Arizona Diamondbacks will have to postpone the anticipated comeback of their star pitcher, Corbin Burnes. Manager Torey Lovullo revealed on Wednesday that Burnes has sustained a right lat injury, which will prevent him from participating in throwing activities while he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery he underwent last year. Burnes, who earned the NL Cy Young Award in 2021 while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, signed a lucrative six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks after a season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. This deal is the largest in the franchise's history and followed four consecutive All-Star appearances for the pitcher.

After making 11 starts in 2025, Burnes was sidelined in June for Tommy John surgery. Nearly a year later, he had been gradually working back into form with bullpen sessions, aiming for a return to the rotation in July. With the Diamondbacks currently in the thick of the NL wild-card race at 32-28, his swift return is crucial. However, the team is committed to prioritizing his health and will not rush his comeback to avoid any risk of further injury.