Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes was placed on the injured list Tuesday due to inflammation in his right elbow. Burnes, who gave up a single to Washington’s shortstop CJ Abrams, underwent an MRI on Monday and is scheduled to see Dr. Neil Elattrash in Los Angeles later this week for a second opinion. To fill his spot, the Diamondbacks called up left-handed pitcher Tommy Henry from Triple-A Reno.
Burnes pitched 4 scoreless innings against the Nationals before exiting early. During his outing, he allowed four hits and walks while facing 19 batters, striking out six. However, reliever Jalen Beeks gave up a run to a runner Burnes had left on base. Burnes’ velocity on his final two cutters was 91.5 mph, which is below both his typical game and seasonal averages. His overall speed during the game was somewhat reduced compared to usual.
Before this setback, the 30-year-old Burnes held a 2.72 ERA and a 2.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 10 starts, providing significant value to the team with an estimated 1.9 wins above replacement. He has been pitching approximately six innings per start in his past five outings. Burnes, winner of the 2021 National League Cy Young Award, signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks in the offseason. He has been a consistent presence for the team, averaging 31 starts annually from 2021 and finishing in the Cy Young Award top five for five consecutive years. Last season marked his first and only in the American League.
Following a 3-1 victory over the Nationals on Sunday, the Diamondbacks held a 28-31 record, placing them fourth in the National League West. The team has already dealt with injuries to several other starters, including Jordan Montgomery and Blake Walston (both recovering from Tommy John surgery), as well as Eduardo Rodriguez, who is sidelined with shoulder inflammation.
Fan Take: This injury is a tough blow for the Diamondbacks, as Burnes has been a cornerstone of their pitching staff and a top-tier talent in the league. His absence could significantly impact Arizona’s competitiveness and is a reminder of the fragility of pitchers’ health in baseball, underscoring the importance of depth and careful management of arms in the sport.
