Diamondbacks’ Corbin Burnes shares injury return update after surgery setback

The Arizona Diamondbacks managed to avoid a complete implosion after Corbin Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery last June, and they have forced their way into the National League Wild Card discussion to this point of the 2026 season, but this club will probably need its ace back if it is going to clinch a playoff berth. The former Cy Young Award winner’s latest setback complicates plans, but he remains determined to pitch before year’s end.

Burns expects to return to the mound by September, according to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale. Arizona shut down the veteran right-handed starting pitcher amid a lat strain, bringing great distress to a fan base that has watched this team brave far too many injury problems over the last couple of seasons. Fortunately, he intends to rejoin the Diamondbacks for the final playoff push.

With Burnes’ intentions now clear, the Snakes must do everything possible to keep themselves within striking distance by the time the 31-year-old makes his season debut. Ownership invested $210 million in him in the winter of 2024, and he is still incredibly valuable to this franchise’s long-term goals.

The D-backs have trusted Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly to bring stability to the top portion of their starting pitching rotation for several years, but they are not getting the job done in 2026. Management counted on Brandon Pfaadt to take the next step in his development following a promising 2023 playoffs showing, but he is not getting the job done. Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Soroka are thriving in the Desert, but they need help.

Few reinforcement options are better than Corbin Burnes. The four-time All-Star will regroup and figure out what he needs to do to help the Diamondbacks slither their way into October for the first time since 2023.

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