PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks, who would be back in the National League playoffs if the season ended today, were dealt a blow to their postseason hopes when ace Corbin Burnes was shut down in his throwing recovery program from Tommy John surgery, likely sidelining him at least until September.
Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million free-agent contract a year ago, the largest in franchise history, was expected to return to the Diamondbacks around the All-Star Game to provide the D-backs a huge lift in the second half.
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Instead, Burnes was diagnosed with a teres major strain after throwing about 18 pitches in his first outing against hitters a few days ago, and will have to re-start another throwing program, perhaps in July.
“It’s a blow, and it’s something that we’re going to have to deal with,’’ Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s what we do in this game, and 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 really good job. I want that to continue.’’
Burnes underwent an MRI Monday that showed no further damage, but the Diamondbacks still don’t know what caused his setback.
“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. He threw a little bit, and it just amplified a little bit. …
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“We’ll just remain hopeful. We want him to get healthy once he gets there.’’
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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
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Burnes, who rejected a four-year, $180 million contract to return to the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent, was originally expected to exercise the opt-out of his contract after the first two seasons and hit the free-agent market again. Yet, after averaging 31 starts and 189 innings in his previous four seasons before joining the Diamdonbacks, the former Cy Young winner has now made just 11 starts and pitched 64.1 innings.
He most certainly will stay in Arizona now, with the Diamondbacks owing him $140 million over the next four years, with $11 million deferred each year. His full no-trade provision will be converted to a partial no-trade clause, allowing him to reject trades to 14 clubs.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Corbin Burnes injury setback hurts Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes
