Diamondbacks Ace Corbin Burnes Out for Season with Elbow Injury

The Arizona Diamondbacks have encountered a significant setback to their season. Corbin Burnes, the team’s star pitcher, will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season upon discovering that he requires Tommy John surgery. This procedure is scheduled for next week.

In his latest appearance against the Washington Nationals, Burnes had to exit the game after experiencing tightness in his right elbow during the fifth inning. Following a single hit by Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Burnes gestured toward the dugout. Trainers promptly came onto the field, and after a brief discussion, Burnes departed from the game. His frustration was evident, and fans were understandably concerned that something serious had occurred. Unfortunately, their apprehensions proved to be correct.

What Is Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery is performed when a pitcher sustains a tear in a ligament within their elbow. A ligament is a robust band of tissue that connects bones and helps maintain joint stability. During the surgery, medical professionals replace the damaged ligament with a healthy one sourced either from another part of the patient’s body or from a donor.

The procedure is named after Tommy John, a former MLB pitcher who was the first to undergo this operation back in 1974. Although many pitchers have successfully returned to play after this surgery, recovery typically requires a span of 12 to 18 months. Consequently, Burnes will not only miss the entirety of the 2025 season but will also be unavailable for a portion of 2026.

Burnes’ Season and Contract

At 30 years of age, Burnes is currently in the inaugural year of a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks. He had been performing admirably as a key figure in the team's rotation, registering a record of 3-2 with a commendable 2.66 ERA over 11 starts. Burnes had established himself as one of the league’s most dependable pitchers, consistently making at least 28 starts each year for the past four seasons.

Diamondbacks Future Outlook

With a record of 33-34, the Diamondbacks find themselves 6.5 games behind in the NL West standings. The absence of Burnes represents a significant blow to their prospects of securing a playoff spot this season, and it also complicates their outlook for 2026.

“This is a really tough day for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tough day for Corbin Burnes,” stated manager Torey Lovullo during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7’s Burns & Gambo show. “These types of things happen in this game. He's just a great teammate; he's a great human being. But it's time for other guys to step up and pick up Corbin, and that'll be our mindset.”

The Arizona pitching rotation, which was already deemed a weakness—ranking 24th in ERA prior to Friday’s game—now appears to be a considerable liability without Burnes. His injury may significantly alter how the front office approaches the upcoming trade deadline. Instead of seeking to acquire new talent, the team might now consider selling and redirecting their focus toward future prospects.

As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Diamondbacks, and the situation promises to be one of the more captivating narratives to follow.