PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks will not get Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes back anytime soon.
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Jun 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) on the mound in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Corbin Burnes has a teres major strain and has been pulled back from his throwing progression, manager Torey Lovullo said.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) June 3, 2026
According to manager Torey Lovullo, the right-hander has been diagnosed with a teres major strain, a significant blow to a club that was hoping his return would help boost an already steady rotation.
Lovullo said Burnes will be shut down for several weeks, with his return now moved to September. This leaves Arizona without the frontline starter it hoped would return later this season and creates even more questions for a pitching staff already searching for consistency.
The injury also arrives at a pivotal moment for Arizona’s rotation, particularly with right-hander Zac Gallen continuing to struggle.
Jun 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) reacts after an injury in the fith inning and leaves the field against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Gallen owns the highest ERA among the Diamondbacks’ regular starters at 5.16, an unexpected development for a pitcher who was once viewed as the unquestioned ace of the staff.
Many believed Burnes would eventually slide into that role if Gallen failed to improve. Now, however, it appears Arizona will need to explore additional options to address its rotation concerns — especially with the trade deadline only weeks away.
May 16, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Arizona now faces several options. The D-Backs could stick with Gallen and bet on a turnaround similar to last season’s, promote prospects who could help stabilize the rotation, or look outside the organization for pitching help before the deadline. Any trade for a proven starter would likely require Arizona to part with some of its top young talent, and it remains unclear whether the Diamondbacks are willing to take that route.
The significance of Burnes’ injury extends beyond a single rotation spot.
Apr 30, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws to second base for a force out after fielding a ground ball hit by New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Arizona signed him ahead of the 2025 season with the hope that his talent and experience could help lead the Snakes back to the postseason. While his start in Arizona was rocky, the former Cy Young winner settled in and began pitching like himself again before being shut down midway through the season and ultimately undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Now, with another extended absence looming, Arizona must determine whether its current rotation can keep the club in contention or whether outside help will become a necessity.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo speaks on Geraldo Perdomo’s 9th inning bunt
