Corbin Burnes was shut down in his throwing recovery program, according to USA Today. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are currently in playoff position, face a setback in their postseason hopes with Burnes likely sidelined until at least September.
What happened
Corbin Burnes, the ace pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, suffered a significant setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. After throwing about 18 pitches in a recent session against hitters, Burnes was diagnosed with a teres major strain, requiring him to restart his throwing program potentially in July.[1]
Burnes, who signed a historic six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks, was anticipated to make his return around the All-Star Game, adding critical strength to the team’s rotation. “It’s a blow, and it’s something that we’re going to have to deal with,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. The MRI revealed no further damage, but the cause of the setback remains unclear.[2]
“There’s no real defined answer,” Lovullo said. “He felt it after his last outing. He felt like the next day something was just a little tight.”
Why it matters
The Diamondbacks currently sit in a favorable position in the National League playoff race but face intensified competition as the season progresses. Burnes’ absence could hinder their chances of sustaining momentum in the postseason. With a strong rotation at risk of becoming less effective, the team must rely on its other starting pitchers to step up in his absence.[3]
Background
On May 20, 2026, Burnes was expected to return, bolstering the Diamondbacks’ roster for a crucial playoff push. He had undergone Tommy John surgery earlier, with hopes of rejoining the team for the latter part of the season. The six-year contract he signed was viewed as a key investment for the franchise’s future success.
What’s next
The Diamondbacks will monitor Burnes’ recovery closely as he begins a new throwing program. They plan to reassess his recovery timeline in early July to determine his potential return date.
