Burnes stuns in Diamondbacks spring league debut

Arizona Diamondbacks newly-acquired ace Corbin Burnes took the mound for their Cactus League opener against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, a 12-8 loss.

Burnes, 30, dominated the mound in his sole inning of work, retiring the side in 16 pitches (12 of them being strikes). He requested to take the bump in the opener as a routine he found helpful over the years.

“I like to get in early, get an extra one outing in an actual game at camp,” Burnes said following the loss. “For me, it’s just the more time I can get on the mound in a game situation, the more comfortable I can feel, and the better I feel I can get for the season as far as getting everything moving and pitches working.”

After signing a six-year, $120 million deal with the D-backs in the offseason, his debut was long anticipated and, despite manager Torey Lovullo wanting to ease his veteran arms in for the first few days, he gave into four-time All-Star’s request.

The Diamondbacks are back in action at Salt River Field on Saturday against the Rockies with lefty pitcher José Castillo taking the bump and outfielder Corbin Carroll expected to make his spring training debut.