Following his six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks before the 2025 season, Corbin Burnes faced a significant setback when he required Tommy John Surgery after pitching only 64.1 innings across 11 starts. This procedure, involving elbow ligament reconstruction, necessitates an extensive recovery period, making it certain that Burnes will not begin the upcoming season on the Diamondbacks’ active roster.
Burnes, a four-time All-Star and the 2021 Cy Young Award recipient, recently shared an update on his rehabilitation progress and his expected return. The Diamondbacks plan to transfer him to the 60-day injured list as spring training begins to provide more flexibility on their roster.
Projected Return Date and Rehabilitation Details
In an exclusive interview with Kyle Odegard from Sportscasting.com, Corbin Burnes discussed his recovery schedule, emphasizing both cautious optimism and an aggressive approach to his rehabilitation.
We put an aggressive timeline on it from the get-go,
Burnes said.
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.
– Corbin Burnes, MLB Pitcher
Having undergone Tommy John Surgery in June 2025, Burnes is aiming for a return sometime in July 2026. Before his injury, he demonstrated strong performance with the Diamondbacks, posting a 2.66 ERA and 63 strikeouts over his 64.1 innings pitched, underscoring the valuable contribution he offers to the team.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Position in the Competitive NL West
The NL West remains one of the most competitive divisions in Major League Baseball, featuring recent back-to-back World Series champions. Arizona faces stiff competition, but its roster holds considerable promise. Key players like Ketel Marte are expected to remain with the team, providing a solid foundation alongside emerging talents Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo.
Gabriel Moreno is also making strides as a top-level catcher, enhancing Arizona’s lineup. The return of Burnes to full health, particularly during the crucial final months of the season, would significantly strengthen the starting rotation, improving the Diamondbacks’ playoff prospects.
Additionally, the franchise is closely monitoring free agent starter Zac Gallen’s decision for the 2026 season. His status as a top pitcher and potential return could further bolster the team’s competitiveness in the division.
Impact of Burnes’ Return on Team Outlook
Corbin Burnes’ recovery and return from Tommy John Surgery carry substantial implications for the Diamondbacks’ ambitions. If he regains full fitness by July, his presence will provide a critical boost to the pitching staff during the final stretch of the season. Combined with a core of talented players—Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Gabriel Moreno—the team could improve their standing in the challenging NL West.
With ongoing discussions around Zac Gallen’s future and Burnes’ rehabilitation progressing on schedule, Arizona’s pitching roster could become a defining factor in their push toward the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as summer approaches to see how Burnes’ comeback shapes the Diamondbacks’ 2026 campaign.
