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Corbin Burnes’ Elbow Injury Casts Shadow Over Diamondbacks’ Playoff Hopes

MLB access_alarms2025-06-02 10:45:01 visibility6 text_decrease title text_increase

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Table of Contents

The injury and Its Immediate Impact

Arizona Diamondbacks' 2025 Season took a significant hit when star pitcher Corbin Burnes exited a Sunday game against the Washington Nationals with an apparent elbow injury. The 30-year-old, who signed a $210 million, six-year Contract extension this offseason, left the game early after experiencing discomfort and mentioning his elbow. As the team's top starter, Burnes has been central to Arizona's rotation since joining the club, making his injury a major blow.

A Struggling Pitching Staff

Burnes' absence worsens an already fragile rotation, which is also missing Eduardo Rodríguez (shoulder), AJ Puk (elbow), Jordan Montgomery (elbow), and Blake Walston (elbow). Manager Torey Lovullo faces tough decisions, potentially reassigning Ryne Nelson back to a starting role or calling up prospects to fill gaps.

Corbin Burnes' Elbow Injury Casts Shadow Over Diamondbacks' Playoff Hopes

Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Arizona entered 2025 with high expectations after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024. A fifth-place NL West standing and 50% playoff odds highlight the urgency of Burnes' return. The team's financial commitment to Burnes—along with impending free agents Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly—adds pressure to maintain competitiveness.

Risk of Long-Term Absence

If Burnes requires Tommy John surgery (as speculated), he could miss up to 14 months, mirroring recoveries like Gerrit Cole's. This would leave a massive void in the rotation, further straining Arizona's roster.

The Broader Context of Pitching Injuries

Burnes' injury reflects a growing crisis in MLB: elbow injuries now affect 35.6% of pitchers, with cases rising from 111 (2011) to 263 (2023). Factors like high-velocity pitching (Burnes' 96 mph fastball), workload, and biomechanical stress contribute to this trend. Innovations like FlexPro grip technology offer hope for prevention, but Burnes' case underscores the need for urgent solutions.

Key Takeaways

Burnes' injury threatens Arizona's immediate and long-term success.
Elbow injuries highlight the physical toll of modern pitching demands.
The Diamondbacks' playoff hopes hinge on managing this setback and securing depth.

Looking Ahead

"Corbin’s health is our priority," Lovullo stated. "We’ll take it one step at a time, but losing a player like him is never easy." As Arizona awaits further details, the baseball world watches closely—Burnes' recovery could define both the team’s season and the sport’s ongoing struggle with pitcher safety.