The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that their star pitcher Corbin Burnes will need to undergo Tommy John surgery next week, ending his 2025 season prematurely. Manager Tory Lovullo confirmed the surgery is necessary due to a ligament injury but did not provide specific details or a definite timeline for Burnes’ return. Typically, pitchers require 12 to 14 months to recover from traditional Tommy John surgery, so it’s likely Burnes will miss a substantial part of the 2026 season as well.
Burnes, who is 30 years old, recently signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks and had been justifying this investment with impressive stats, including a 2.66 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.42. He was on pace to compete for a sixth consecutive Cy Young Award, making this injury a major blow for both him and the team’s playoff hopes after missing out last season.
Currently, the Diamondbacks hold a 31-31 record, three and a half games behind the final National League wild-card spot, and face a challenging schedule ahead. Their pitching rotation has been a weakness this year, ranked 24th in ERA, and Burnes’ absence only exacerbates this issue. Although pitchers like Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt have had mixed performances, other internal pitching options have not inspired optimism.
With the team struggling, there is growing talk that the Diamondbacks might have to consider trading some key veterans like Gallen, Kelly, Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suarez, Randall Grichuk, or Shelby Miller to bolster their lineup or rebuild for the future. Whether they decide to push for a playoff run or become sellers before the trade deadline, Burnes’ injury will significantly impact the team’s strategy and the wider league dynamic for the rest of the season.
Fan Take: This news is a tough pill for baseball fans, especially those following the Diamondbacks and Burnes’ remarkable career. It highlights the fragility of even the best pitchers and underscores how injuries can dramatically alter the playoff landscape, reminding us of the unpredictability inherent in the sport.
