The Arizona Diamondbacks are about to get a massive boost at the most important time of the season. Former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes is set to return to the mound Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals, ending a lengthy absence that has kept the right-hander sidelined for more than 15 months. With Arizona battling for a National League Wild Card spot, Burnes’ return could not come at a better time.

Burnes has endured a long road back

May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Burnes has not pitched in the majors since June 1, 2025, when he suffered an elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. The 31-year-old had been working toward a return this summer, but a right teres major strain suffered during his rehabilitation pushed his comeback into September.

The wait is finally over.

Burnes made two recent rehab appearances, including two perfect innings for Triple-A Reno before throwing the equivalent of four innings in a controlled bridge-camp outing. He reached 50-plus pitches during his final tune-up and reported that his entire arsenal was generating swings and misses while his command continued to improve.

Diamondbacks desperately need him

Apr 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The timing of Burnes’ return is enormous for Arizona.

The Diamondbacks entered the series against Kansas City holding the third and final National League Wild Card spot, with only a half-game separating them from the San Diego Padres. Every game has become critical as Arizona tries to secure a postseason berth.

Burnes isn’t expected to immediately pitch deep into games, but simply having him back gives Arizona another legitimate weapon for the stretch run.

Before the injury, Burnes was one of baseball’s most reliable frontline starters. He won the 2021 NL Cy Young Award, has been a four-time All-Star and owns a career 3.15 ERA. He also signed a six-year, $210 million contract with Arizona before the 2025 season.

The Diamondbacks don’t need Burnes to immediately look like the Cy Young winner he once was.

They just need him healthy enough to contribute.

If Burnes can regain even a fraction of his previous form, Arizona just added one of the most important pieces possible for a September playoff push.

 

 

 

 

 

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