Diamondbacks' Corbin Burnes suffers massive setback

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After Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes had last season cut short due to right elbow inflammation, which turned into Tommy John surgery, he had been progressing well. Unfortunately, that progress has been hindered, as the 31-year-old suffered a massive setback in his rehabilitation.

According to manager Torey Lovullo, Burnes has a teres major strain and had his throwing program stopped. Lovullo added that Burnes, who was slated to return in July, will likely not be available until September.

Signing a lucrative six-year ($210 million) contract with the Diamondbacks in the offseason heading into last year, Burnes showed why he deserved the contract before going down. The former Cy Young award winner (2021) made 11 starts, had a 3-2 record with a 2.66 ERA, struck out 63 (64.1 innings) and held opponents to a .210 batting average against.

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Lovullo called having Burnes miss more time "a blow," but "it's just what we do in this game."

“It’s a blow,” Lovullo said to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. “It’s something that we’re going to have to deal with. It’s just what we do in this game. We’ve got very qualified players in that clubhouse that are going to get some opportunities. We’ve got five really good starting pitchers right now and they’re doing a good job. I want that to continue.”

The Arizona Diamondbacks have a solution to account for Corbin Burnes missing time

Since Burnes will not be back until September and the Diamondbacks are not looking to trade for another starting pitcher, they have decided to fill the void internally. According to Lovullo, per Piecoro, there is a "strong possibility" that right-hander Brandon Pfaadt can get stretched out to be a starter again.

It sounded like the Diamondbacks have a pitching move coming, as well, based on what Lovullo was saying. Wouldn’t be surprised if this means Pfaadt is headed to Reno to start again.

— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) June 4, 2026

Pfaadt had been a starter for the Diamondbacks, making 65 starts the past two seasons. However, given the depth in the starting rotation this season, the 27-year-old was moved to the bullpen. Now that Burnes is out, Pfaadt will likely be sent down to Triple-A Reno to work to become a starter again.