Corbin Burnes, the Diamondbacks’ ace pitcher, is making steady progress in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2025. Speaking at the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge during the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Burnes expressed confidence about returning to the mound by July, maintaining the timeline he initially set.
The Cy Young Award winner said that the rehabilitation plan has aimed for a 12½ to 13-month recovery period, and so far, he is on track.
“We put an aggressive timeline on it from the get-go,”
Burnes explained.
“We were looking at the 12½, 13-month mark. We’re still on pace with that. I do whatever I can to make it shorter every day. The training staff does a great job of keeping me on track and making sure I don’t push myself too hard. Everything has been good. Anytime I can try to sneak it ahead a little I will, but to this point, still on pace.”
Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million deal with Arizona before last season, noted that his rehabilitation has been smooth, with no setbacks. He described being about halfway through the throwing program, preparing to transition back into bullpen sessions soon. “Everything has been good,” he emphasized.
“No issues so far. We’re probably about halfway through the throwing program, leading back into bullpens. It should look somewhat normal in Spring Training, being able to be out with the guys playing catch. Bullpens should start toward the end of camp, and then we’ll build up from there. Everything has been good so far.”
Diamondbacks’ Roster Moves Highlighted by Burnes
Burnes also shared his optimism about the Diamondbacks’ roster as the club approaches Spring Training. He acknowledged general manager Mike Hazen’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the team, praising recent acquisitions and hinting that more roster changes might still come.
“I don’t think Hazen is done yet,”
Burnes said.
“I think there is still some work that is left to do. But, yeah, it’s been good. We obviously had some holes we needed to fill. Added (Michael) Soroka to help out in the rotation. The trade for (Nolan) Arenado was great. We had some bullpen pieces added. Last time I talked to him, he wasn’t done yet. We’ll see what happens the rest of the offseason heading into camp. It should be a good season. We didn’t overly lose that much.”
Community Engagement and Support at Special Olympics Event
While focusing on his comeback, Burnes made time for community involvement by taking part in the Special Olympics event. Joining local athletes, business leaders, and other sports figures, he enjoyed the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.
“I think this is my fourth or fifth year doing it now,”
Burnes said.
“Whenever Tim (Hovik) and his crew invite me, it’s a quick yes to get out here and be a part of this great event. Eventually we’ll have to boot the pros off the rest of the putting green so we can take over.”
Key Insights on Burnes’ Return and Team Outlook
Corbin Burnes’ consistent progress in his Corbin Burnes Tommy John Recovery remains an encouraging sign for the Arizona Diamondbacks as they prepare for the upcoming season. His accelerated rehabilitation offers hope that he will be ready to pitch effectively by mid-summer, providing a significant boost to the team’s rotation.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks continue refining their roster under Mike Hazen’s leadership, focusing on filling key roles with players like Michael Soroka and Nolan Arenado. The combination of Burnes’ return and fresh acquisitions could create a competitive edge that shapes the team’s success this season.
